Literary-Girl Films for Fall
A sort of intellectual melancholy
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s truly no better time to renew streaming subscriptions than now. In the fall, I love watching films that evoke that very specific spirit of autumn, a sort of intellectual melancholy if you wish. They are not necessarily sad, some are even funny, others are borderline weird, but the feeling is there. It’s the thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth close to the one of a novel that makes them so special.
Here we go.
The Best Offer (La migliore offerta, 2013)
One of my favorite films. The story follows Virgil Oldman, an esteemed but solitary art auctioneer, who becomes obsessed with Claire, a mysterious and reclusive young woman who seeks his help to sell her family's estate. It’s full of art, beauty, and betrayal.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Set in the 1950s at Wellesley College, this film stars Julia Roberts as an art professor challenging the societal norms and expectations placed on young women. It’s the perfect blend of academia, art, and inspiration, making it ideal for a cozy autumn afternoon.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
A French film telling the story of a passionate, forbidden romance between two women: Marianne, a painter, and Héloïse, a woman whose portrait she must secretly paint for an arranged marriage. It has it all: slow-burn intensity, breathtaking cinematography, and subtle exploration of themes like love, freedom, and the female gaze. This film is ideal for a quiet, contemplative fall night when you're in the mood for an emotionally resonant story about love and art.
Gone Girl (2014)
The story revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne, and the subsequent media frenzy that turns her husband, Nick Dunne, into the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems, with shocking revelations about Amy’s life and the couple’s marriage. I just listened to Caroline O'Donoghue (
)’s podcast episode on the topic and obviously ran to rewatch. Based on best-selling novel of the same name. Warning: watch with caution if you are in a relationship! It makes you angry.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch, Only Lovers Left Alive is a atmospheric supernatural arty existential reflection. The film centers on two centuries-old vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for hundreds of years, living through humanity's highs and lows. Set primarily in the hauntingly desolate streets of Detroit and the ancient city of Tangier, the movie explores the isolation and melancholy of immortality. Also, the music by Jozef van Wissem and Sqür is devastatingly beautiful.
Russian Ark (2002)
It’s a stunning historical drama directed by Alexander Sokurov. Known for being filmed in a single, unbroken 96-minute shot (!), this movie takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through 300 years of Russian history, all set within the Winter Palace of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The film follows an unnamed narrator, who wanders through the halls of the palace, encountering figures and events from different eras of Russia’s past. The unbroken transitions make you feel as if you are truly moving through time. Its reflective, almost meditative pace makes it a perfect film to savor during a long thoughtful autumn night.
On the Rocks (2020)
Directed by Sofia Coppola, On the Rocks is introspective and charming. It blends lighthearted comedy with deeper emotional themes. Starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray, the film follows Laura, a writer living in New York City, who begins to suspect that her husband might be cheating on her. Seeking advice, she turns to her charismatic and often reckless father, Felix, who joins her on an adventure to uncover the truth. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan in the fall, On the Rocks explores themes of relationships, trust, and the complexities of father-daughter bonds.
The Hours (2002)
This story weaves together the lives of three women—one of whom is Virginia Woolf—across different time periods, all connected by Woolf's novel Mrs. Dalloway. With its focus on literature, mental health, and personal introspection, it’s a great film for the fall season. Based on a novel by Michael Cunningham.
Rushmore (1998)
Wes Anderson's quirky comedy about an eccentric student at an elite private school has the backdrop of academia and the falling leaves of autumn. It’s a fun and charming film that’s great for those who love offbeat humor.
The Goldfinch (2019)
The Goldfinch is a film adaptation of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The story follows Theo Decker, whose life is forever altered after surviving a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when he was 13 years old. In the chaos of the aftermath, Theo steals a famous painting, The Goldfinch, and if changes the course of his life more than once. Though the film received mixed reviews, it stands out for its stunning cinematography and faithful attention to the novel’s central themes. It beautifully blends art, loss, and the search for redemption.
