Welcoming Autumn

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message 'He is Dead'.

Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;

For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Funeral Blues by W. H. Auden. (We also highly recommend Tom Hiddleston's reading of this, which can be found on YouTube).

Happy September 1^st, lovely readers!

We wanted to give the season a warm welcome by recommending you some of our favourite Autumnal films, tv shows and books. Throughout this blog post, Jess will take a look at period dramas and take a deep dive into the character of Beth March from Little Women, and Jessie will look at contemporary teen dramas such as Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars, all of which we feel perfectly reflect the coziness of the coming season. At the end of the post is a compiled list of some of our most beloved recommendations. So, grab a blanket and a hot drink, light a couple of candles, and read on…

Period Dramas: Pride and Prejudice Adaptations

Recently, I rewatched the BBC 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. I have witnessed many debates about which interpretation of the book is most enjoyable. Although I enjoyed the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, I have to declare the 1995 version as my favourite rendition. It is also a perfect cosy classic to bring in the shorter days, offering ballroom gossip and stunningly faithful performances that feel as though Austen's characters have leapt off the page. That being said, if you prefer lush landscapes and striking cinematography, with less time spent on politics and side characters, then you may find the 2005 film to be the ideal accompaniment to a rainy afternoon.

The 1995 series takes its time, unfolding over six episodes, which allows for a more detailed and faithful portrayal of Austen's world. The sharpness of the dialogue, the social nuance, and the slow-burn development of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship all mirror the novel's tone with remarkable accuracy. In contrast, the 2005 film condenses the story into a more romantic and emotionally driven format, leaning into atmosphere and visual storytelling rather than strict adherence to the text. Its sweeping score, candlelit interiors, and misty fields create a mood that is both intimate and cinematic, making it accessible to a broader audience unfamiliar with the novel.

Of the two Darcys, I believe Colin Firth captures the essence of Austen’s character with greater fidelity and nuance. His portrayal in the 1995 series strikes the perfect balance between aloof pride and growing vulnerability. Firth conveys Darcy’s inner conflict with subtle shifts in expression and tone, allowing the audience to witness his transformation gradually and convincingly. His reserved manner, awkward formality, and slow softening towards Elizabeth feel true to the spirit of the novel. While Matthew Macfadyen brings a gentler, more openly emotional Darcy to the screen in the 2005 film, his interpretation lacks some of the tension and restraint that make Darcy's eventual humility so satisfying. Firth’s performance, particularly in the later episodes, has become iconic and arguably sets the benchmark for any future Mr Darcy.

Jennifer Ehle portrays Lizzie’s animated nature in a way that makes her both a strong, defiant woman and a polite, loving person. Her restrained disdain towards Mr Wickham upon discovering his true character is an excellent moment, and Ehle captures it so well that the joke is truly on Wickham. In contrast, her line delivery when rejecting Mr Collins and walking away from Lady Catherine perfectly embodies the Lizzie everyone loves.

Of course, the comedy of Mr and Mrs Bennet cannot be ignored, and I feel the pair’s rapport (or lack thereof) places Austen’s wit at the centre. The cast in general is just so convincing, so well constructed, and wholly committed to bringing the book to life. This commitment extends to the makeup and wardrobe departments, as well as to the carefully chosen locations. It all feels subtle and lived-in, without losing any of the underlying tension.

All of this is not to disparage the 2005 version, as it exhibits strong performances and beautiful visuals. However, this is my plea for you to commit six hours of your autumn to the unwavering glare of Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy.

Other Period Dramas perfect for autumn:

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (2018)

Based on the 2008 novel (same name) by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, this 2018 romantic drama follows protagonist Juliet to Guernsey Island to write about the residents of the island and their experiences during WWII. This is a cosy choice with a strong feeling of community.

• Downton Abbey (TV Series)

This is the perfect series for colder nights, giving an equal amount of screen time to both the inhabitants of manor house Downton and the staff who keep it running. The series follows the wealthy Crawley family through times of economic change and modernisation and we watch all of the main characters shift and adapt in their own ways. It is a fitting choice for autumn, a season that forces us to shed our routines and to welcome a bit of hibernation, something that many of the characters experience themselves through periods of grief, insecurity and personal change.

• Little Women (2019 or 1994 versions)

Whether you enjoy Winona Ryder's version of Jo March or Timothee Chalamet as Laurie, both of these adaptations deliver on the warmth of sisterhood and the moody landscapes of the changing seasons.

A Season of Letting Go: Beth March and the Autumn Mood

When the light shifts and the days begin to shorten, I often find myself drawn to quieter characters, those whose presence lingers not through grand gestures, but through steadiness and care. For me, this season belongs to Beth March.

Beth, the third sister in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, is easily overlooked. She isn’t ambitious or rebellious. She’s shy, gentle, and deeply kind. But her quiet nature holds a quiet power, particularly when viewed through the lens of autumn, a season that invites stillness, release, and reflection.

A Character Like the Season

Beth is often seen as the moral heart of the March family. She doesn’t seek attention, yet her influence is lasting. In the 1994 adaptation, Claire Danes gives Beth an almost ethereal presence, both sensitive and grounded. In the 2019 version, Eliza Scanlen brings a more realistic warmth, allowing us to see Beth’s vulnerability and quiet strength in full.

Beth resists the trope of a defiant character with strong motivations. She doesn’t want recognition; she wants peace. She preserves the balance of the March household, contrasting all of her sisters in her quiet acceptance. Scanlen’s Beth in particular embodies this beautifully. She is present, thoughtful, and unafraid of being overlooked. In a world that prizes visibility, her gentle way of being ironically feels quite radical.

Autumn often asks us to loosen our grip on routines, forcing us into a state of reflection. Beth’s story mirrors this seasonal shift. Her acceptance of death is not weakness, but clarity. She knows what matters and simply lets go. For our August book club, we read Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. At first glance, the connection isn’t obvious, but the main character shares something essential with Beth: a quiet, deep gratitude for what he already has. These characters offer a comforting space in autumn, reminding us to find the beauty in the moment, in family or even in the details of our surroundings.

Grief

Beth’s death is not written for shock. It’s a slow, inevitable part of the story, and that restraint is what makes it powerful. Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film underscores this with a clever parallel, showing Beth's first recovery beside her final decline. It’s understated but devastating, a reminder that memory can carry us even as we lose what we love.

Jo’s grief, especially, feels honest. In the 1994 version, her silent writing scenes speak volumes. There’s no breakdown, just snow falling and words taking shape. It captures a grief that’s quieter but no less profound.

A Final Thought

Beth March is not the sister who makes the most noise, but she may be the one who stays with you longest. As the year begins to turn inward, her story offers something valuable: a reminder that quietness can hold strength, and that there is grace in letting go. Of course, the story thrives on the contrast of the sisters and their motivations. That’s what makes it a tale that speaks to so many. It’s been a pleasure to give Beth the stage for a little while.

Contemporary Teen Dramas: Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, and Pretty Little Liars

• A Season for Community

Gilmore Girls, with its endless supply of witty, relatable dialogue, touching relationships between mothers and daughters, and cozy small town setting, is the perfect comforting TV show to bring in the colder seasons. The series follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, beloved mother and daughter of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, and their trials and tribulations surrounding love, friendships, careers and, perhaps most of all, family. It’s the kind of show you put on in the background while baking, the kind of show you watch when you’re having a hard day and you seek the soothing relatability of Lorelai’s struggles as a parent, daughter and dater, the kind of show you rewatch over and over again. During the cold months, when the nights are long and the days isolating, Lorelai and Rory are the perfect pair to keep you company.

Stars Hollow is the introvert’s secret dream living location. Small and walkable, it encourages a great sense of community between all those who inhabit it. A town where everybody knows and looks out for each other, it is as homely of a town as you can get. The people of Stars Hollow often attend town events, such as carnivals, dress-up parties and town meetings. It is particularly lovely to see the representations of the colder seasons throughout the town: snow-laden streets in the Winter and pumpkins adorning the square in the Autumn. It is a calm, wholesome series, in its nature quite reassuring that if you find your people to weather the seasons with, all will be okay.

Luke Danes and Sookie St James embody the theme of food within the show. While Luke works the diner, serving warm coffee, cinnamon buns and pancakes made with homemade cinnamon butter to Lorelai and Rory, Sookie, who works in the inn alongside Lorelai, makes just about everything. The cooking and baking processes depicted within the show, particularly with Sookie and her endless time spent in the kitchen fulfilling her passion, seem to ooze a sense of comfort, while the plentiful finished products create a sense of abundance that contrasts the bleak and empty feeling that the seasons can otherwise evoke.

Lorelai Gilmore is arguably the main character of the series, and she is definitely my favourite. Not only is she a nurturing, optimistic mother with a great sense of care towards her daughter Rory and everybody else in her life, she is also extremely funny. I think her undying wit is a particularly comforting element of the series, as she never fails to put a small on my face whenever I tune into an episode. Lorelai is also perhaps the most relatable of all. Whilst she has many merits, she is also fervently stubborn, struggles greatly with love, and is constantly burdened by the seemingly unwavering disappointment she receives from her parents. Despite the odds, Lorelai always tries her best to make a positive impact on her daughter, her friends and her town. Community is one of the most important things to Lorelai, especially considering her fractured relationship with her parents. Because of this, she will be the perfect companion if you are ever feeling low. She gets it, and she understands that her struggles, just like the seasons, will pass.

• A Season for New York

I wanted to briefly mention Gossip Girl, which is widely considered the greatest teen drama of all time. Having seen every episode, I concur. Set in New York, the show follows Manhattan’s elite teens and all their scandals and schemes, which are exposed on the web by an anonymous blogger called Gossip Girl, of course. While the series does depict all of the seasons, I associate it most with Autumn. This is likely because of that classic, romantic, Autumn In New York idea; the focus on the school setting; Blair Waldorf’s warm, gorgeous outfits, passion for study, and seasonal soirees. While the show’s extensive list of morally grey – and morally black – characters definitely has the potential to get on your nerves, like it did mine, the show ultimately provides great escapism to help pass the colder months. At its heart, it is a story of burning, intense love and loyalty between friends and family. Just maybe opt out of the later seasons.

• A Season for Academia

Pretty Little Liars follows four friends who, after the disappearance of their friend Alison, begin to receive text messages from anonymous sender, 'A', who threatens to expose all their darkest secrets. This show is perfect for Autumn, as it combines themes of mystery, small town community, friendship, romance and academia. It even contains some spooky episodes for you to enjoy throughout October. While the mystery is at the forefront of the show, it is the female friendships that are at its heart. The bond between the Liars is unbreakable. Bound by years of trauma, there is nothing they wouldn't do to protect each other. The amount of time the viewer gets to spend in the company of the Liars, both in their pursuit of A's downfall and in their regular teenage lives, is what makes Pretty Little Liars my ultimate comfort show.

Fundamentally, this series is about solving mysteries. First, the disappearance of Alison DiLaurentis; then, the identity of A; then, a million other things which I can't tell you without spoiling the show. As they seek answers, the Liars: Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer, each bring to the group their strengths. Aria is the emotional writer, the hopeless romantic. She is also the best at deceiving the people around her. Hanna is empathetic, compassionate, funny and fiery (and my current favourite). Emily is fiercely loyal and sensitive, and Spencer is very intelligent (more on her to come). The show does an excellent job of setting up compelling enigmas. Despite the overuse of red herrings, there are plenty of useful clues to drive the plot forward. Each episode poses new questions, threats and dangerous characters, proving that we really can trust no-one, except maybe the Liars. Maybe. This is the perfect show to captivate your attention and keep you on your toes. I highly recommend snuggling up in the colder months and giving it a watch.

One major theme that permeates the series is academia. Of course, the Liars attend high school, where they encounter many love interests and also many villains. But is also their place of education, where we see them take classes and partake in school events. This is a great setting for Spencer in particular to thrive, and watching her study montages, much like with Blair Waldorf and Rory Gilmore, can be very satisfying, and quite inspirational, really. Going back to school in September makes characters like these, complete with their extensive list of academic goals and pursuits, the perfect company for students, perhaps like yourself, during the Autumn months.

Spencer Hastings is arguably the most beloved of the Liars. The fan favourite, I believe. In some ways, she is, after Alison disappears, the leader of the group. When trying to uncover A’s real identity, it is typically Spencer who takes charge. Pressured by her family of high performers, she herself is a high achiever. Her natural intelligence and genuine love for academia make her an excellent asset to the group. She is the best detective by far, always able to decipher clues, and discover them in the first place. Spencer, with her quick thinking and resourcefulness, saves the girls time and again, making her a very satisfying and gripping character to watch. She also has an excellent wit and a wonderfully preppy wardrobe. And do I even need to mention the quality of Troian Bellisario's acting? If you're considering watching Pretty Little Liars, I think Spencer alone makes it worth it. If you decide to watch the show, you will get to follow her as she struggles and soars, and I have no doubt you will fall in love with her, just as I did.

Other Autumnal Film & TV Recommendations

• 13 Going On 30 (2004) - a chick-flick about a 13-year-old girl whose dream of becoming 30 unexpectedly comes true

• The Guilty (2021) - a thriller about a 911 operator who receives a call from a kidnapped woman

• This Boy's Life (1993) - an early Leo DiCaprio film about a boy who is forced to move in with his abusive stepfather

• The Unforgiveable (2021) - a thriller about a woman who is released from jail and wants to reunite with her little sister

• The Queen's Gambit (2020) - a wonderful mini series about a chess prodigy's obsession with the game

• Split (2016) - a horror about the kidnapping of three teenage girls by a man with multiple personalities

• Edge of Seventeen (2016) - a coming of age story about a girl who becomes depressed following a close betrayal

• The Outsiders (1983) - a story of friendship, loyalty, violence and becoming a hero

• Bicentennial Man (1999) - a film about a robot man with human feelings

• Stardust (2007) - a fantasy about a man who sets out to find a star to bring back to the woman he loves

• Legally Blonde (2001) - a chick-flick about a sorority girl who gets into law school to get her ex-boyfriend back

• Nerve (2016) - a thriller about a game where watchers dare players to do dangerous things for money

• Mrs Doubtfire (1993) - a heart-warming story of a divorced man trying to spend more time with his kids

• Remember Me (2010) - a tragic story about a depressed man trying to find love

• Damsel (2024) - an action film following a girl trying to survive in the home of an evil dragon

• Freaks and Geeks (1999) - a TV series about two different groups of people: Lindsay and her friends, the Freaks, and her brother and his friends, the Geeks

• Whiplash (2014) - Miles Teller plays a music student obsessed with the drums

• Prisoners (2013) - a father seeks revenge after his daughter and her friend are kidnapped

• Adolescence (2025) - a young boy is arrested for the murder of his classmate; an incredible commentary on male violence against women, specifically in adolescents

• October Sky (1999) - the story of Homer Hickam trying to build a rocket

• The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) - a fantasy about a family who move into a house in the woods and encounter mythical creatures such as fairies and goblins

• Super 8 (2011) - a sci-fi following a group of friends who, whilst filming an amateur movie, witness a horrifying event

Autumnal Book Recommendations

• Shipwrecked and Dark of the Moon by Siobhan Curham (a light YA fantasy duology about a dance academy who get stranded on a desert island full of mysteries)

• The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger (a classic following a boy after he gets expelled from school... and that's all I'll say)

• Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten (a YA mystery about a girl who doesn't believe her friend really killed herself)

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (a thriller about a psychologist who visits a woman in a mental hospital who shot her husband in the face and then never spoke again)

• Words in Deep Blue by Catch Crowley (a moving YA about rekindling friendship in the face of death)

• The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren (a romance about two people who are predicted to be soulmates based on their DNA)

• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (just go in completely blind, trust me)

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (a magical tale of a boy whose mother is dying from cancer, and the monster who visits him at night)

• The Way I Used To Be by Amber Smith (a deeply emotional YA following a girl throughout high school after experiencing sexual trauma)

• The Shadows We Know By Heart by Jennifer Park (a YA fantasy about a girl who falls in love with a boy who lives in the woods)

• If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin (a beautiful, heart-breaking YA about a vulnerable girl and her childhood best friend)

Taking Our Leave (Mr Collins' Style)

Thanks for joining us on this autumnal cinema chat and we hope our discussions have made saying goodbye to summer a little easier.