Fall Comfort Movies We Love
At the beginning of every new season, I think “This is my favorite time of year.” So here we are again in Fall and I’m in love…again. Then I remember, I just love when seasons start to change. The transition into something new, whether it’s hibernation or rebirth, feels exciting because it’s the Earth saying to us that she’s ready to move on. But that signal of moving on first triggers some nostalgia for me.
Now as we move deeper into Autumn, I find myself craving certain movies—some of which take me down the road of memories towards childhood field trips to apple orchards, and others to times when I was in love. Inspired by all of that, here are my top 5 movies recommendations for falling in love with Fall.
No. 5: P.S. I Love You
When I need my heart ripped out and a really good cry, PS I Love you starring Hilary Swank is just the ticket. This movie gives all four seasons, international travel, love, loss, hope, and the cool moody vibes of the East Coast. It's based on the book, but the only things truly in common are the names of the characters, the title of the book, and that Holly receives letters from her late husband. Oh, and one more similarity: the book, like the movie, also filled me with tears.
No. 4: Mona Lisa Smile
New England in the fall in the 1950s is a dose of nostalgia that reminds me of my grandmother's time and what it was like for women who didn't quite fit the mold. I love this film for its scenery, costumes, and reminder that while it doesn't always seem like it, we have in fact come a long way.
No. 3: The Devil Wears Prada
This is a favorite because it lets me experience the New York (and Paris) fashion scene without having to leave the comfort of my couch. It feels like a romcom, but it's really a coming-of-age/self-discovery with a heavy dose of fashion. I love how now we are all on board with Andi's boyfriend being the true villain of this movie. This one is also based on a book, but it strays a bit from its source material. In this case, the movie is better.
No. 2: When Harry Met Sally
I have always loved this film and despite being tired of the men and women can't be friends trope, I always turn to it at the start of fall because it makes me long for the coziness of a good friend and cable knit sweaters. It’s easy to see why it was nominated for best Original Screenplay at the 1990 Academy Awards. Centered around a human condition with quippy dialogue, When Harry Met Sally had me believing adulthood would be filled with regular dinners out with friends, game nights, and a best friend I couldn’t live without.
And coming in at number one...
No. 1: Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables captivated me at a young age and ever since then Anne Shirley and the Prince Edward Island of the early twentieth century is an autumn vibe I long to experience. It’s a story of found family, friendship, and love. And there is a sweet innocence in all of it that is a nice escape from the realities and horrors of the twenty-first century. Anne, played brilliantly by Megan Follows, reminds me what it's like to be young and full of hope and potential. While the movie strays a bit from her source material, producer and director Kevin Sullivan gives us something that ages much better than the books. His adaptation is so beautiful and such a wonderful tribute to LM Montgomery's series (minus the 3rd film…I don’t know what that garbage was) so much so that I wonder if he's related in some way to Montgomery herself.
