That amazingly prolific film-maker François Ozon returns with an intriguing, mystery drama about a suspected murder. In it, the implied Chabrol-esque horror is made to coexist with an odd mood of gentleness and even sentimentality as we witness the loneliness of an ageing woman with secrets and regrets in the autumn of her life.

This is Michelle, played by 81-year-old actor-director Hélène Vincent. She lives in the countryside, near her best friend, Marie-Claude (Josiane Balasko), whose grownup son Vincent (Pierre Lottin) is nearing the end of a prison term. 

As soon as you enter the world of When Autumn Falls it has an old-fashioned, simple sensibility which is surprisingly comforting. François Ozon moves the film with a quiet grace and patience, making it a slow-burn drama with issues bubbling under the surface. And there’s a dark sense of humour that quietly lingers throughout the film, creating odd comedic moments and looks between characters which add a quirky note to When Autumn Falls’s personality. That’s then complemented by its strong visual throughout, the cinematography from Jérôme Alméras really leans into the film’s love of the countryside. It has a rich colour palette, the location choices are excellent, the atmosphere is compelling in an earnest way. 

In the end the audience is left to put together their own conclusions - along the lines of Anatomy of a Fall.