Seasonal Screenings: Must-watch movies for this fall
Melanie Mandelke ’29
mandelkem17@lakeforest.edu
Staff Writer
Movies can serve as seasonal milestones for us. They can set a mood and prepare us for the month ahead. As November brings us deeper into autumn, it’s worth remembering that films are a great way to enjoy the season.
This fall, look for movies that feel like changing leaves and apple cider. Halloween has passed, so we can move on from horror movies and thrillers and opt for those cozy, comforting flicks. Maybe even comedies, or those nostalgic classics that always ran in the background, but you never really paid attention to. Maybe it’s time for movies that will make you cry, or ones you may emerge from with a sense of gratitude. Here are five recommendations to get you feeling the November vibes:
- Dead Poets Society (1989)
Starring Robin Williams and a young Ethan Hawke, this film tells the story of students at an all-boys preparatory school who have lived their lives constantly being held up to impossible standards. When a new English teacher is hired, he shows the boys how to look at life in new ways. Although the movie is classified as a comedy, it’s also a real tear-jerker. The stunning cinematography makes certain scenes feel warm, featuring glimpses of fall landscapes. The appealing characters and emotional writing will inspire you to carpe diem.
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Any film in this iconic fantasy franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe would suffice as a perfect fall or winter watch. However, this one feels perfect for November with its charming humor and moody depiction of autumn. Harry Potter’s (Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is not without another set of life-or-death challenges. Being targeted by soul-sucking creatures and a vicious prison escapee, Potter races against time. He must rely on his friends and the newest addition to Hogwarts faculty to uncover the mystery beneath it all.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This feel-good film featuring John Candy and Steve Martin is perfect for Thanksgiving and gatherings with friends and family. When a snowstorm causes extreme transportation delays, Neil Page (Martin) struggles to get home to Chicago to be with his family for the holiday. Through a seemingly cruel twist of fate, he must travel with Del Griffith (Candy), an extrovert who irritates Page to no end. As everything seems to go wrong for the pair, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for a good laugh.
- Knives Out (2019)
When a mystery novel writer is found dead, a star-studded murder mystery is set into motion. The circumstances are more than suspicious, and no one– not even his family is exempt from questioning. Stand-out performances from Daniel Craig and Chris Evans give the film extra appeal. With comedy, mystery, drama and a mansion to die for, literally, there is something for everyone in this late-fall watch.
- Soul (2020)
What does it mean to have a soul? Joe Gardner, a New York music teacher, has found his spark: jazz, and he’s finally about to get his big break. Then, everything goes wrong. This animated Pixar movie is criminally underrated, with themes of passion and purpose. It will make you laugh, cry, and breathe a little deeper, just knowing you’re alive.
These movies are connected not only by our human experience but by the bliss of autumn. The five movies above will make you want to curl up, drink some hot chocolate, and relax. Hopefully, you enjoy these recommendations and add at least one to your November watchlist.