Minnesota weather is quite unpredictable, especially in the months between summer and winter — why is it 80 degrees one day and 30 the next? Despite this, there is one constant form of media I can always rely on every autumn to take part in the spirit of the season: fall films. In these films, not only are there all the familiar elements of fall — colorful leaves, apple cider, and a slight orange tint to every frame — but there are also underlying themes that many feel but don’t speak about as we near what is, for many cultures, the holiday season.
The first movie that comes to mind when thinking of this genre is, of course, the iconic “Dead Poets Society.” This film follows several teens in a college preparatory boarding school, and how they discover the beauty and impact of poetry from a professor who sees the potential in every one of them. This leads them to discover their true passions. The plot unfortunately doesn’t end there, though, as the different members of this society have several factors impeding them, like familial pressures and social anxiety. While managing to encapsulate the season of fall perfectly in its aesthetics, “Dead Poets Society” also addresses many issues that affect our current society and how we think about which life paths are best for ourselves, what we should decide, and how other forces affect us. While there are devastating moments, I would argue this is a crucial movie to watch, especially during the fall, because it can teach us a lot about ourselves and our passions at a time when they may so often be confronted.
Another iconic fall movie with similar philosophical themes is “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” This movie follows a family of foxes that, in need of resources, steal from neighboring farms that house the three biggest fox hunters in town, resulting in the revenge-searching fox hunters to destroy the local ecosystem. Contrary to its seemingly simplistic plot, the dialogue in this movie is fairly complex when looked at beneath the surface. It tells the stories of the struggles of
different characters and family members, how these affect their perceptions of themselves, and what they think they should do to fix them. It reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s what makes us all unique. In addition to its deeper meaning, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is also funny and friendly for kids, so it is a great fall family movie.
Finally, another movie I love watching during the colder months is “The Holdovers,” which came out just last year. Similar to “Dead Poets Society,” this film takes place in a boarding school, but during winter, when almost all of the students are away. Admittedly, this one is more of a Christmas film, but I think it can be watched during the fall as well — or any time, really. With a cast of people in different occupations and stages of life, what I love about this movie is that it unveils the inner complexity and struggles that each of us face and how they can connect us, and that even in the face of adversity, we can still find a way to celebrate and have fun during the holidays, even if they aren’t perfect.
So if you ever need something to do on a chilly fall evening, I suggest you grab some apple cider and tune into some great films!
