Ever-inventive, French auteur François Ozon (8 Women, Potiche) returns with a twisty, bittersweet story about age, youth, and the art of breaking the rules.

In a picturesque Burgundy village, Michelle is enjoying what looks like blissful rural retirement close to her old friend Marie-Claude, until their children make an appearance. Increasing tensions between the families – especially when Marie-Claude's son, recently released from prison, enters the picture.

At once a character portrait and tense drama with a thriller tangent, When Autumn Falls appears to be one of Ozon's more realist films – until it isn't. Where does the truth lie, and is anyone who they appear to be?

Sly storytelling and Hélène Vincent's terrific lead performance make this a richly compelling offering.