by Sebastian Marcu
The film follows the transformation of a rural Portuguese household through the passage of a year, marked by the eldest son, Tomás, leaving for university in London. Tomás’s departure sets off a ripple effect within his family, where everyone gets to come to terms with the impact this change has on them as individuals, and on their close knit family.
The film is divided into four parts, matching the seasons of the year, and, as the story unfolds, we witness the subtle shifts in the family dynamic as the seasons change – with each having its own distinct dramatic merit. The family gathers at the station to wave off Tomás’s departures and witness his homecomings, turning this ritual into a cherished family ritual.
The performance of the four main characters, played by Salvador Gil as the young medical student, Beatriz Frazão as his sister, and Elsa Valentim and Miguel Frazão as their parents is superb, each one of them delivering a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant experience. The film abounds in dramatic and light-hearted comic moments allowing viewers to witness the subtle shifts in the family’s relationships.
The performances are understated yet powerful, particularly Miguel Frazão’s portrayal of a father grappling with inevitable change and Beatriz Frazão’s role as the steadfast anchor of the family.
Beatriz Frazão excels in one of the film’s most powerful scenes, where she announces her university admission at the dinner table — not only for the glimpse it offers into her complex relationship with her father, but also for the quiet fear of leaving home that lingers beneath her words.
The film’s technical details are strong with the cinematography, soundtrack and editing working in harmony to reinforce the story’s emotional impact. Visually, the film is stunning, capturing the warmth of the Portuguese countryside and the quiet melancholy of change. Notably, several wideshots throughout the film capture the surrounding landscape with breathtaking clarity — so sharp it’s almost unsettling.
At its heart, Autumn is a meditation on the passage of time and the shifts in familial bonds. Fear of the unknown, growing up, leaving home, and finding one’s place in the world are all defining experiences for teenagers. The film delicately portrays the tension between nostalgia and progress, making it a deeply relatable experience for anyone who has ever left home in pursuit of something greater.
Tomás’s father, Otávio, represents the old-world values of their countryside home, struggling to reconcile his son’s ambitions with his own deeply rooted traditions. While the film’s slow pace may not appeal to everyone, its heartfelt storytelling and cultural specificity makes it a standout piece of Portuguese cinema.
Autumn – A Minha Casinha will be available on UK digital platforms from 2 June.
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