As the weather grows crisp and cold, there’s no better time to cozy up and watch a comfort film. So, light a pumpkin-spice scented candle, grab a blanket and hot cocoa and get into the fall mood with these autumnal classics.
What began as an assignment for Matt Damon’s college playwriting class became one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed films of the 20th century. Damon stars as troubled, but brilliant, Will Hunting who works as a janitor at MIT. When Will finds himself embroiled in legal trouble, he is forced to accept the help of a therapist, poignantly played by Robin Williams. Damon’s script — which he co-wrote with Ben Affleck — is witty, uplifting, devastating and utterly moving. Fair warning: make sure to have tissues on hand for the film’s bittersweet, tear-jerking conclusion set to Elliot Smith’s tonally fitting track “Miss Misery.”
“Good Will Hunting” is available to stream on Max now.
When Nicole Kidman famously said, “We come to this place for magic,” she was talking specifically about her 1998 cult classic film “Practical Magic.” This romantic fantasy flick follows Kidman and Sandra Bullock as Gillian and Sally Owens, a pair of sister witches raised in a small Massachusetts town by their eccentric, mystical aunts. The Owens sisters are cursed with a spell that dooms any man the women fall in love with. Naturally, hijinks ensue as the sisters attempt to defeat an evil spirit — in the form of an undead ex-lover — threatening their family line. Empowering, warm and quirky in all the best ways, this underrated gem is a spellbinding must-watch for fall.
“Practical Magic” is available to stream on Hulu now.
In what is perhaps the best-ever film adaptation of an iconic board game, six strangers are invited to dine with their blackmailer at a mysterious abandoned mansion and each gifted a weapon. When the lights go out and their blackmailer winds up dead, everyone is a suspect. And everyone questions whether they might be murdered next. This campy and clever whodunit keeps you on your toes with laughter and suspense simultaneously. Is it Mrs. Peacock in the study with a candlestick? Colonel Mustard in the library with the gun? The ensemble cast delivers a boisterous comedy for all ages, and the spooky ambiance is perfect for the autumn season.
“Clue” is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
This 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic gothic novel stays true to its source material while making exciting creative decisions to keep audiences engaged. The film follows plain Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), an orphaned governess employed by the brooding master of Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), who is harboring a terrible secret.
Fans of the book might have to overlook the miscasting of Jane and Rochester — both of whose physical appearances are notoriously described as ugly — it would be difficult to describe Wasikowska or Fassbender as such. However, the two leads’ captivating performances and sizzling chemistry more than make up for the inaccuracy. Moreover, the dark and moody set design and cinematography beautifully emulates Brontë’s wild scenery. Reader, I would highly recommend.
“Jane Eyre” is available to stream on Starz now.
There’s a Meg Ryan flick for every season, and “When Harry Met Sally” is unquestionably a staple for fall. In this quintessential romcom, Billy Crystal and Ryan star as the film’s titular characters who form an unlikely friendship after a tenuous first encounter. Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner’s script brilliantly examines gender dynamics in an endearing, smart and hilarious way for the modern audience. Not to mention the film’s jazzy soundtrack heavily featuring Harry Connick Jr., which most aptly captures the essence of an autumn day in New York City. Whether you agree with the film’s central thesis — that men and women can never be “just” friends — or not, this classic is definitely worth a watch.
“When Harry Met Sally” is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video now.
This article was edited by Bailey Hobbs, Patricia McGee and Abigail Pritchard. Copy editing done by Isabelle Kravis and Charlie Mennuti.
