When Fall Is Coming

In the quiet charm of a quaint Burgundy village, Michelle finds solace in her serene retirement, nestled among the rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Her days are brightened by the company of her longtime friend Marie-Claude, with whom she shares countless memories and laughs. However, this peaceful existence is disrupted when her daughter Valérie arrives from Paris, unexpectedly dropping off her young son Lucas to spend the school vacation with his grandmother. The visit, intended to bring joy, quickly spirals into tension as the complicated dynamics of family relationships come to the forefront.

During a fraught lunch, overwhelmed by the stress of her daughter’s demands and concerns, Michelle inadvertently serves Valérie a dish containing toxic mushrooms, leading to a sudden health scare. Although Valérie recovers swiftly from this alarming incident, the event causes a rift in their relationship. In a moment of anger and hurt, she forbids Michelle from seeing Lucas again, leaving Michelle to grapple with feelings of loneliness and guilt that seep into her once tranquil life. The weight of her actions sinks in, pushing her into a deep depression as she reflects on her family and the choices that have driven a wedge between them.

However, hope begins to shine through the shadows of Michelle's despair when Marie-Claude's son, recently released from prison, returns to the village. His presence offers a new perspective on life and the weaving threads of connection within their community. As he reintegrates into everyday life, his experiences and resilience inspire Michelle to confront her own struggles and seek redemption. This unexpected turn of events ignites a spark within her, prompting a journey of self-discovery that not only strives to mend the fractured bonds with her daughter but also encourages her to embrace the friendship and unconditional support of Marie-Claude, ultimately unveiling a path towards healing and renewal.

Main Cast of When Fall Is Coming

Hélène Vincent delivers a poignant and deeply resonant performance as Michelle in the film "When Fall Is Coming" (original title "À la fin de l'été"), portraying the character with a profound sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Her portrayal is nuanced and understated, capturing the complexities of Michelle's inner turmoil as she grapples with the trials of aging, the weight of past decisions, and the delicate dynamics of familial relationships. Vincent's ability to convey a rich tapestry of feelings through subtle glances and body language adds layers to the character, allowing the audience to connect with Michelle's quiet strength and vulnerability. Her interactions with the other characters are tinged with a sense of yearning and a touch of melancholy, which serves as a catalyst for the narrative's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time. Hélène Vincent's performance is a standout, providing a human and relatable anchor to the film's contemplative and moving story.

Josiane Balasko delivers a poignant and understated performance as Marie-Claude in the film "When Fall Is Coming" (French: "La Fin de l'été"), a character whose quiet resilience anchors the narrative. Balasko embodies Marie-Claude with a nuanced grace, portraying a woman who confronts the complexities of aging and the changing dynamics within her family. Her portrayal is marked by a profound depth of emotion, as she grapples with the weight of memory and the passage of time. Balasko's Marie-Claude is a testament to her versatility as an actress, as she seamlessly transitions from moments of tender vulnerability to flashes of dry wit, capturing the essence of a life lived with both joy and regret. Her performance is a subtle exploration of the human condition, resonating with authenticity and a gentle strength that lingers long after the credits roll.

Secondary Cast of When Fall Is Coming

Garlan Erlos

Lucas

Marie-Laurence Tartas

La médecin de l'hôpital

Sidiki Bakaba

Le curé

Pierre Le Coz

Le brigadier

Crew of When Fall Is Coming