Movie and books add to autumn atmosphere

Review by OliviaFranklin & BrookeHerdzina

Knives Out (2019) 

Who killed Harlan Thrombey? This PG-13 film revolves around that one question. This movie is perfect to watch during fall because of the autumn setting. It has many cinematic shots of the orange leaves outside, and the characters are often seen wearing fall sweaters. The movie employs both comedy and the elements of a classic mystery. And if you enjoy this movie, then you’re in luck. A sequel came out about a new murder, with a new cast, with the exception of Daniel Craig, who played the detective, Benoit Blanc. This movie lasts two hours and ten minutes. “I love murder mysteries and I love how the film is set up. It’s very cozy and the color scheme is reminiscent of fall,” senior Margaret McGill said. 

Clue (1985)

This PG movie, based on the board game “Clue,” is about six guests who were anonymously invited to a mysterious mansion. During dinner, the host is murdered. As a result, the odd group comes together to figure out who the killer is. This movie is perfect for fall because the mysterious mansion on the hill evokes curiosity and wonder. This movie lasts one hour and 37 minutes. “I like how they try to figure out the mystery. The movie goes in a lot of different directions and it’s like a game,” junior Jasmine Sanchez said. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

This PG claymation movie focuses on Mr. Fox after he raids a human family’s farm. He puts his life and his family and friends’ lives in danger. As a result, he and his family are forced to leave. This movie features the perfect soundtrack for fall, with cozy instrumentals. The color palette of the movie screams autumn, with lots of oranges and browns. The movie lasts one hour and 27 minutes. “I like the movie because it focuses on the character change of Mr. Fox, and the director, Wes Anderson, uses a unique and clever script to depict the colors and settings. It’s perfect for fall because it utilizes warm and orange tones throughout the movie, making it visually appealing,” senior Eden Smith said. 

The Secret History (1992)

This mystery thriller novel written by Donna Tartt focuses on a group of college students who end up murdering one of their classmates after being influenced by their professor to change their views on morality. This book emphasizes the importance of school and how it can make a lasting impact in someone’s life. This novel’s aesthetic is dark academia and perfect if you are trying to romanticize school this autumn. “I liked it because it had such different backstories and characters. I like it for fall because a lot of it takes place in fall, and it has good imagery,” sophomore Reilly O’Brien said. 

The Silent Patient (2019) 

This mystery, written by Alex Michaelides, is about the aftermath of Alicia Berenson’s husband, Gabriel’s, mysterious death. Alicia, a famous artist, is charged for her husband’s death and taken to a mental hospital, The Grove. Theo Faber, the narrator, takes a job at The Grove to solve the murder of Gabriel Berensen because he believes Alicia is innocent. He also believes he has a special connection to her. So, what happened that fatal night? Who killed Gabriel Berensen? “I actually really liked the plot twist at the end. It didn’t get boring at the end or middle like some books do. It was good all the way through. It’s good for fall because it’s scary,” junior Sylvia Borgmann said.

Twilight (2005)

This fantasy romance novel, written by Stephanie Meyer, is about Bella Swan’s new life in Forks, Washington. She moves there thinking she’ll be miserable, and she doesn’t expect to meet the people/vampires that will change her life. This book was also turned into a movie, released in 2008, that’s similar to the books. This book is perfect for fall because the setting, Forks, Washington, is often rainy. This book is currently available in the Marian library. “I read it in the seventh grade. I’m glad I did. It has a bad reputation, but it was decent for a book about an angsty teen who meets the love of her life in a small town. I do not regret reading it,” freshman Delaney Shea said.