When Fall Is Coming (originally Quand vient l’automne) is a 2024 French drama directed by François Ozon. The story centers on Michelle, played by Hélène Vincent, a retired grandmother living in Burgundy. After accidentally serving poisonous mushrooms to her daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier), their already fragile relationship is pushed to the breaking point. As Michelle deals with guilt and loneliness, her friend Marie-Claude and her son Vincent — fresh out of prison — become important figures in her path toward healing and redemption.
The ending of the film is deliberately open, leaving Michelle’s fate up to the viewer’s interpretation. It’s a subtle and thoughtful conclusion that explores themes like guilt, forgiveness, and the complex ties within families.
Critic Monica Castillo from RogerEbert.com praised the movie for its emotional depth and strong performances. She noted how Ozon turns the peaceful countryside setting into a tense, gripping story where every choice matters.
When Fall Is Coming premiered in France in October 2024 and made its UK debut in March 2025, where it was released under the title When Autumn Falls.
