Looking to watch a movie to usher in the colder months and enjoy the Fall season? Check out these five movies to watch this Autumn.
Good Will Hunting
The visual components of “Good Will Hunting” embody Autumn through the usage of bright fall foliage and warm undertones. The movie offers introspective themes and evokes a cozy, reflective mood which makes it a perfect watch for the cold months. Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, has an extraordinary gift for mathematics and a genius-level IQ. Working as a janitor at MIT, his talents are discovered when he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem. Accordingly, Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) vows to guide Will to his full potential. After Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he attends sessions with therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). “Good Will Hunting” is a classic movie that has stood the test of time, earning its spot on the top movies to watch in the fall. (Available to watch on: Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video).
Knives Out
“Knives Out” is a modern murder mystery film with twists and red herrings throughout. The movie is set in a grand, old mansion, offering imagery of foggy, overcast weather that creates a moody tone. The setting of the movie and its elements of suspense and dark comedy make it the perfect watch for viewers who want to get into the Halloween spirit without watching horror. In the movie, Benoit Blanc is hired to investigate the suspected suicide of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. As Blanc acquaints himself with the eccentric Thrombey family, secrets are revealed and motives for murder come to light. A multitude of star actors are included in the cast like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Shannon. Autumn is the perfect time to curl up on the couch to watch a thrilling mystery and “Knives Out” is the perfect movie for that. (Available to watch on: Fandango at Home, Google Play, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video).
The Sixth Sense
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “The Sixth Sense”is a psychological horror-thriller about a young boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osmet) who can see and communicate with the deceased. As the movie progresses, the audience watches Cole struggle with terrifying encounters from spirits who are unaware of their deaths. Fortunately, child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) decides to help Cole come to terms with his experiences. The entire movie builds toward an unexpected twist that redefines everything the audience thought they knew. The suspenseful pacing, eerie atmosphere and emotional depth are defining characteristics of the movie, leaving viewers with a lasting impression. The topic of ghosts is perfect for this spooky season, making “The Sixth Sense”a fantastic watch for anyone who wants to get into the Halloween spirit. (Available to watch on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Apple TV, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a stop-motion animated adaptation of a Ronald Dahl children’s book. In the movie, Mr. Fox outwits three rude and greedy farmers—Boggis, Bunce and Bean— to provide for his family. The fact that the movie is stop-motion may deter some more mature viewers, however, under the surface of the childish visual components of the movie is an intricate film. Specifically, it delves into Mr. Fox’s struggle with responsibilities as a husband and father. Wes Anderson includes his signature symmetrical shots and a warm color palette which gives the movie a quirky, vintage feel. The countryside setting also is reminiscent of the imagery associated with Autumn. “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, with its feel-good storytelling, is the perfect movie to watch to feel the comforting nostalgia associated with Autumn. (Available to watch on: Peacock, Google Play, Fandango at Home, Disney+, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video).
Mona Lisa Smile
“Mona Lisa Smile”is a drama set at Wellesley College, a conservative women’s institution in the 1950s. Katherine Watson (played by Julia Roberts) is a progressive art history professor who begins teaching at the college. Throughout the movie, she encourages her students to challenge social constructs surrounding gender. Watson inspires her students to aspire to more than just being a housewife and mother by motivating them to pursue their passions. The film highlights themes of personal growth, feminism, and the evolving role of women in society. The academic setting of “Mona Lisa Smile” is the perfect backdrop for a movie to watch in Autumn. Additionally, the themes of change and reflection in the movie mirror the transitional and reflective nature of Autumn. Overall, “Mona Lisa Smile”chronicles a cozy, thought-provoking story that is a perfect watch for Fall. (Available to watch on: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, Hulu, Youtube TV, and Apple TV).
