SummaryThe final chapter in French director Eric Rohmer's "Four Seasons" series tells the story of a 45-year old widow whose friends are determined to find her a new lover.
Directed By:Éric Rohmer
Written By:Éric Rohmer
Autumn Tale
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
81
User score
Generally Favorable
7.0
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
81
92% Positive
24 Reviews
24 Reviews
8% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
Rohmer elegantly seduces us with people who have all of the alarming unpredictability of life.
100
Rohmer treasures the undervalued glories of discourse and the intimacy of conversation over the obviousness of action or sexual display.
88
With deft and subtle performances and an uncomplicated but savvy script, Autumn Tale gets to the inner lives of its characters.
80
Will be remembered as a vintage Rohmer harvest.
75
An almost documentary reality and voyeuristic appeal.
70
Exceptionally smart and charming.
60
Remind(s) us of the power of good old-fashioned character-driven movies.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.0
54% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
38% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
8% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Jan 20, 2026
6
"You can't force someone to love." An exploration of how ideal types, tastes, and attractions cannot be defined by anything. Filled with Magali's thick hair and the scent of autumn in the vineyards.241128 (3.0)1. Isabelle, a bookstore owner, is the mother of the bride-to-be, Emilia. I almost didn't recognize the actress—she’s Delphine from "The Green Ray" and Jeanne from "The Aviator's Wife"! 2. Her best friend Magali runs a vineyard and is lonely after her husband's death and a falling out with her daughter, Valentine. Though in her 40s, she still has a girlish heart. 3. Rosine, the girlfriend of Magali's son Leo, actually prefers mature adults and shares a deep, platonic bond with Magali, filling the void left by Valentine. 4. Rosine was in a complicated relationship with her philosophy teacher, Etienne. To settle the sexual tension, she introduces him to Magali, showing a friendship that transcends age. 5. Like "A Tale of Springtime," this story involves romantic schemes. While "A Summer’s Tale" and "A Tale of Winter" follow protagonists navigating three love interests, "A Tale of Autumn" uses a meddling plan. 6. Isabelle secretly places a lonely-hearts ad for Magali and even goes on test dates for two weeks with the candidate, Gerald. 7. Magali and Gerald, both middle-aged singles with roots in North Africa and a connection to vineyards, find themselves drawn to each other. 8. Conflict arises when Magali suspects Isabelle of having an affair with Gerald, a recurring "frustrating character" trope for this actress. 9. Director Éric Rohmer captures the interesting commonality that while men often readily start new loves even when they have someone, the women do not. He understands the timing of romance so well. 10. "If he thinks of me and I think of him, we will surely meet again." 11. The film ends with a wedding reception dance where everyone is happy, except for Isabelle, whose expression is mysterious—perhaps she actually fell for Gerald during her bored 24-year marriage. 12. While "Spring" and "Summer" ended sourly, "Autumn" and "Winter" end with the hope of passionate love. As a series, it’s a perfect conclusion. Personally, I’d rank them: Winter, Autumn, Spring, and then Summer.
Production Company:
- Les Films du Losange
- La Sept Cinéma
- Canal+
- Sofilmka
- Rhône-Alpes Cinéma
- Sofadinko
Release Date:Aug 6, 1999
Duration:1 h 52 m
Rating:PG
Awards
Venice Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
National Society of Film Critics Awards, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination






























