French film review: When Fall is Coming

Director, François Ozon.

Starring Hélène Vincent, Ludivine Sagnier, Josiane Balasko.

Poisoning by deadly mushrooms (or perhaps by accident) drives the central narrative of François Ozon’s latest film – a creepy, low-key mystery thriller. It is a coincidence that the plot resembles the recent real-life Australian case, in which a woman was convicted of poisoning guests with a Beef Wellington.

Ozon is a master at exploring female roles and relationships (see 8 Women and Potiche), and the one at the centre of When Fall is Coming (French title Quand vient l’automne) features a mother and daughter.

Hélène Vincent is superb as Michelle, a retiree whose relationship with her troubled daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier) soured a long time ago, for reasons initially unexplained. Yet Michelle keeps things respectful for the sake of her young grandson, Lucas (Garlan Erlos), whom she adores. 

Lucas is due to stay with Michelle for the summer in her quiet Burgundy village, but one day Valérie is taken ill, seemingly after eating poisonous mushrooms prepared by Michelle. Valérie thinks she was poisoned on purpose and takes Lucas home with her.

As well as the theme of parents questioning how their children did not turn out how they wanted, a darker mystery unfolds – did Michelle really try to kill her own daughter?

Stream on Youtube and Apple TV.

Also out: 

Les Crevettes pailletées

A homophobic swimming champion is ordered to train a gay water polo team (Netflix).