As we prepare to return to university, the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change colour, we may believe that autumn has come. But for me, the summer season does not change until I begin my annual rewatch of Gilmore Girls. At this time of year, I believe the only thing that can keep us going are the perfect films and TV shows fit for the season.
Autumn Films
Defining a season with a film is not necessarily easy. Though it may seem reductive, we must recognise that sometimes in autumn all you need is a supernatural film to get you in the Halloween spirit or a cosy film to welcome the cold changing of the leaves. There are so many that I could name: Twilight, Sleepy Hollow, The Craft, Hocus Pocus. However, one film stands out above all of these (though as a side note I do absolutely believe you should still watch the aforementioned films).
Practical Magic is so much more than a film about witches. The film follows two sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, as they navigate life with their supernatural abilities. It is a story of loyalty, love and overcoming hardships- usual plot points enriched by the whimsigoth costuming and autumnal environment.
For general autumnal aesthetics we may consider films that have a golden hue to them. For this, I nominate Mystic Pizza, and two of my all-time favourite films, Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society. I want to categorise these as feel-good films for the season, though, ironically, they don’t necessarily always make me feel very good. Each has beautiful writing and, despite the fact that they are fairly emotional stories, there is a warm feeling within the films that is reflected in the colours of the scenes.
Autumnal Television
With autumnal TV shows, it is no surprise that I will say Gilmore Girls is the fan favourite. A small town, opening with ‘There She Goes’ by the La’s, coffee, love, heartbreak. The show is a modern classic for a reason.
Despite being set and filmed during the winter months, Twin Peaks is often associated with being an autumnal TV show. Perhaps its colour grading, the red and orange tones, is why people make the association. Directed by David Lynch, the show blends multiple genres to create a surrealist atmosphere, which has cemented it as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
Even though I have tried to stray away from just listing supernatural media, it is hard not to include Buffy the Vampire Slayer. To me, Buffy is every iconic 2000s show merged into one- sprinkled with a dash of horror. It is perfect for this time of year, as most of the episodes take place during school semesters, which gets me back into the mood for studying… and fighting vampires.
Hopefully, these films and tv shows can keep you company over the next few months as we settle into the start of a new semester. I know I will be seeking comfort in them this year, and the years after- as well as the ones before.
Feature Image Credit: Warner Brothers
