When Harry Met Sally

When Harry Met Sally is the ultimate rom-com. It’s the movie that every other rom-com is judged against (at least in my book). Harry and Sally, the film’s protagonists, cannot stop running into each other. Although they don’t like each other at first, they eventually form an unlikely friendship that slowly becomes more. When Harry Met Sally spans across eleven years,  and the front cover of the film is basically a pumpkin spiced latte come to life. The leaves are red and orange, and Sally is wearing a hat to warm herself up from the chilly fall weather. 

The movie poster is taken from a beautifully framed scene in the movie where Harry and Sally are walking around New York, visiting Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s just a normal day, but that’s what makes it so special. Their conversation doesn’t feel scripted, and they spend the day speaking in funny voices and simply enjoying each other. 

The sweaters are gloriously chunky, the hair gloriously floofy. Need I say more?

Coco

Coco is about Day of the Dead (El Dia de Los Muertos), and it has similar spooky vibes to Halloween. El Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican fall holiday celebrating and remembering those that have passed. 

Coco follows Miguel, a young boy who has big dreams of becoming a musician. This runs counter to the rest of his family, who dislikes anything related to the arts. Miguel keeps dreaming, inspired by his idol, Ernesto De La Cruz. When a mixup leaves Miguel on the wrong side of the gates to heaven, he embarks on a journey to learn more about his family history. 

Coco is heartfelt and beautiful. The animations are whimsical and bright, with wonderfully personable dancing skeletons and bridges made of autumn leaves. The film shows how families can learn to support each other and open their hearts to things that they wouldn’t have under any other circumstances. Certain parts made me tear up or clench my fists a bit tighter, because Coco is simply bursting with life.

Hearstopper

Hearstopper is a TV series adapted from the graphic novels by Alice Oseman. It follows Nick and Charlie, who develop feelings for each other after being assigned to sit together at school. The show also happens to take place during a quaint British fall, with lots of animated leaves transitioning between scenes and the most adorable sweaters (or jumpers, as the main characters would say). 

Hearstopper realistically depicts modern day high school in a way that most series do not. It’s unabashedly corny and adorable. Nick and Charlie exchange rye smiles in the hallway, and run to each other in the rain. 

The series has amazing and realistic friendships. Everybody in the group struggles to find their footing in new schools with new love interests and a new course load. At the end of the day, though, they are all there for each other. Many of the people in the friend group are queer, which allows Hearstopper to explore transgender and lesbian identities in a way that is nuanced. 

Hearstopper is a hot pumpkin spice latte for your frosty heart.