New Movies: Autumn (2023) by Antonio Sequeira (A Minha Casinha) - A heartwarming journey of family, change, and finding home when life takes flight

Autumn (2023) by Antonio Sequeira is a dramatic comedy centered on a Portuguese family whose dynamics are significantly altered when their eldest son leaves to study in London. The film spans a year, observing the individual transformations of each family member as they navigate a daughter's coming of age, a father's mid-life crisis, a son's emancipation, and a mother's adjustment to an "empty nest."

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20780942/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/27/autumn-review-amazing-landscape-plays-central-role-in-portuguese-wine-family-drama

About movie: https://www.kuriousstudios.com/autumn

Link to watch: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Autumn/4176221?cmp=rt_leaderboard (US)

Detailed Summary "Autumn," directed by Antonio Sequeira, is a poignant exploration of family bonds, change, and the evolving definition of "home." The narrative unfolds in a small Portuguese town, focusing on the Sequeira family after their son, Tomás, departs for university in London. The film is structured around the four seasons, with Tomás's visits home marking the passage of time and the shifts within the family. His younger sister, Belinha, grapples with her own coming of age and feelings of being overshadowed, while their father, Otávio, experiences a mid-life crisis. Their mother, Susana, confronts the emotional challenges of an empty nest. The film delves into the paradoxes of parental love, generational differences, and the quiet struggles each family member faces, ultimately leading to a resolution that many parents experience when their children leave home.

Plot summary

• The Departure and Initial Impact: The story begins with Tomás (Salvador Gil) celebrating his 18th birthday and preparing to leave his rural Portuguese home for university in London. His departure immediately shifts the family dynamic, leaving his parents and younger sister to adjust to his absence.

• Individual Journeys Through the Seasons: The film is structured by the four seasons, with Tomás's returns home for breaks providing snapshots of the family's evolution.

  • Belinha's Coming of Age: Tomás's younger sister, Belinha (Beatriz Frazão), navigates her adolescence, dealing with feelings of being less favored than her brother and making crucial decisions about her own future.

  • Otávio's Mid-Life Crisis: The father, Otávio (Miguel Frazão), who works hard on the family vineyard, quietly endures his wife's grief and faces his own mid-life reflections and inappropriate jokes.

  • Susana's Empty Nest: The mother, Susana (Elsa Valentim), struggles significantly with the "empty nest" syndrome, her fierce love and concern for her children leading to hovering and inadvertent tension.

  • Tomás's Emancipation: Tomás initially embraces his new life in London, eager to escape his rural roots, but his seasonal returns reveal his own changes and growing independence.

• Confronting Reality and Resolution: As the film progresses and the children increasingly forge their own paths, Susana and Otávio are left to confront the reality of their changed family unit and the need to rekindle their marital spark. The "Autumn" season brings answers and a sense of resolution, mirroring the universal experience of parents adjusting to their children's independence.

Director's Vision

• Personal and Universal Storytelling: Director Antonio Sequeira drew inspiration from his own experience of leaving Portugal to study in London, aiming to create a story that, while deeply personal, resonates universally with audiences about family, change, and the concept of "home."

• Empathy for All Characters: Sequeira intentionally gives space to each family member's perspective, striving for a truthful portrayal by connecting deeply with all four characters. He noted that while he initially identified more with the children's desire for independence, he grew to understand and relate to the parents' quiet sacrifices and emotional struggles as the filmmaking process progressed.

• Seasonal Structure as a Narrative Device: The film is deliberately structured around the four seasons, not merely as act breaks but as emotional and visual shifts that parallel the family's journey and reflect the circularity of life.

• Commitment to Authentic Portrayal: The year-long shooting schedule in Baião, a rural region in the Portuguese countryside, allowed for an authentic portrayal of the characters' physical and emotional changes, including challenges like milking goats and chopping wood, which contributed to the film's immersive quality.

• Showcasing Rural Portugal: Sequeira aimed to showcase the natural beauty and unique stories from rural Portugal, areas often underrepresented in mainstream media, emphasizing the logistical support from the town of Baião that made the production possible.

Themes

• Family Bonds and Dynamics: The film deeply explores the evolving nature of family relationships, particularly how they shift when children grow up and leave home, highlighting the complex emotional ties that bind a family together.

• Coming of Age and Emancipation: It portrays the individual journeys of the children, especially the daughter's coming of age and the son's emancipation, as they seek independence and define their own identities away from the family unit.

• Empty Nest Syndrome and Parental Adjustment: A central theme is the parents' struggle with the "empty nest" phenomenon, examining the mother's fierce love and concern, the father's mid-life crisis, and their collective effort to adapt to a new phase of their marriage and lives without their children constantly present.

• The Meaning of "Home" and Memory: The film delves into how spaces, particularly the family home, transform into vessels of memory and identity, reflecting shared history and the emotional impact of inevitable changes.

• Generational Differences and Communication: It touches upon the differences between generations, including the children's desire to study abroad and the parents' traditional perspectives, and the unspoken struggles within the family.

Key success factors

• Universal and Relatable Themes: The film's exploration of family dynamics, coming of age, and the empty nest resonates deeply with a broad, international audience, regardless of cultural background.

• Authentic and Personal Storytelling: Director Antonio Sequeira's personal connection to the narrative, combined with a committed year-long production schedule in a real rural setting, lent the film a genuine and emotionally sincere quality.

• Strong Ensemble Performances: The cast delivered compelling and believable portrayals of their characters, making the family's struggles and joys feel authentic and drawing viewers into their journey.

• Festival Recognition and Awards: Winning prestigious awards, such as the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival, significantly elevated the film's profile and signaled its quality to critics and distributors.

• Effective Multi-Platform Distribution: A strategic release that included a successful theatrical run in Portugal, followed by distribution on a major streaming platform like HBO Max, allowed the film to reach diverse audiences.

Awards and Nominations "Autumn (2023)" has received significant recognition, securing 7 wins and 12 nominations across various film festivals and awards. Antonio Sequeira, the director, won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at the Austin Film Festival in 2023 and the AFF Award for Best Director at the Asian Film Festival in 2024. At the CinEuphoria Awards, the film garnered multiple accolades in the National Competition, including Best Director for Antonio Sequeira, Best Actor for Miguel Frazão, Best Supporting Actor for Salvador Gil, Best Editing for Antonio Sequeira, and Best Original Music for Filipe Caetano. The film was also nominated for a Sophia Award by the Portuguese Film Academy for Best Original Song ("Casinha" by Fábio Soares) and Best Feature Film.

Critics reception

• Filmaffinity (The Hollywood Reporter - Leslie Felperin): Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a rating of three out of five stars, describing it as a "softly drawn portrait of a family in flux." While acknowledging its gentle nature, the review suggests that the film "never quite ferments to anything more than a light tipple about the passing of time." This indicates a generally positive but somewhat reserved reception, appreciating its delicate touch but perhaps wishing for more profound impact.

• Overall Summary: The critical reception suggests that "Autumn (2023)" is viewed as a well-crafted and intimate drama, particularly praised for its sensitive portrayal of family changes. While it may not be seen as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, its heartwarming and relatable narrative, coupled with strong performances and direction, has earned it a favorable, albeit modest, critical appraisal. Critics highlight its authenticity and emotional resonance.

Reviews

• IMDb User Reviews: IMDb users have given "Autumn (2023)" a rating of 7.6/10 based on 157 ratings, indicating a generally strong positive audience reception. Reviews frequently praise the film for its relatable themes of family dynamics, empty nest syndrome, and individual growth. Many viewers note how the story genuinely resonates with their own lives, finding it both poignant and human in its portrayal of universal experiences. Specific comments often highlight the authentic acting and the emotional depth of the narrative.

• Search My Trash - Interview with Antonio Sequeira: While not a traditional review, an interview with director Antonio Sequeira on "Search My Trash" provides insight into the film's reception. Sequeira expressed pride in the film's ability to offer multiple perspectives within the family and noted the surprising universality of the story, with audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds connecting deeply with its themes. This suggests that the film's emotional honesty and nuanced character portrayals are key to its widespread appeal among viewers.

• Overall Summary: Reviews generally indicate that "Autumn (2023)" is a well-received film, particularly by audiences who connect deeply with its themes of family, change, and the challenges of growing up and growing old. The film's ability to evoke empathy for its characters, its authentic portrayal of relatable life stages, and its genuine emotional core contribute significantly to its positive reception. Viewers often commend its heartwarming quality and the way it reflects real-life family experiences.

Production Summary "Autumn" (original title: OUTONO) is a Portuguese and United Kingdom co-production, completed in 2023 with a runtime of 120 minutes. It was directed by Antonio Sequeira and produced by Joana Domingues and Steven Flynn under Caracol Studios and Kurious Studios. The film was shot over a full year in Baião, a beautiful rural region in the Portuguese countryside along the Douro River, which allowed for an authentic portrayal of the characters' evolution through the seasons. The script was developed with the aid of the Torino Film Lab.

Production companies

• Caracol Studios (Portugal)

• Kurious Studios (United Kingdom)

Sales companies Specific sales companies for "Autumn (2023)" are not explicitly listed in the search results. The provided search result for "sales companies" was irrelevant to the movie.

Distribution Companies Kurious Studios, based in the United Kingdom, is noted as a film production company that focuses on delivering commercially and theatrically geared narrative films for global audiences and works with distribution partners. Summerside Media, a Rome-based film production, distribution, and consulting agency, also lists "Autumn" (A Minha Casinha) as one of its films, indicating its involvement in distribution. In 2024, the film was distributed by HBO MAX, where it remained on the Top 10 Movies for 20 days.

Release date on streaming The film was distributed by HBO MAX in 2024, where it remained on the Top 10 Movies for 20 days.

Theatrical Release "Autumn (2023)" had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. It was theatrically released in the US on October 28, 2023. At the end of 2023, the film opened nationwide in cinemas in Portugal, achieving both critical and commercial success. Flixster and MovieTickets.com also list a theatrical release date of June 3, 2025, which might indicate a re-release or a different regional release.

Why to recommend this movie

• Relatable Themes of Family and Change: The movie offers a deeply relatable portrayal of family dynamics, the challenges of growing up, and the emotional impact of children leaving home. Many viewers will find echoes of their own experiences in the struggles and adjustments of the characters.

• Authentic Storytelling: Antonio Sequeira's personal connection to the story, combined with the year-long shooting schedule in a real Portuguese rural setting, contributes to a genuine and immersive cinematic experience. The film avoids clichés, presenting a nuanced look at family life.

• Strong Performances: The cast, particularly Beatriz Frazão, Elsa Valentim, Miguel Frazão, and Salvador Gil, delivers compelling performances that bring depth and humanity to their characters, making their individual journeys feel authentic and engaging.

• Universal Appeal: Despite being set in a specific cultural context (rural Portugal), the themes of love, loss, independence, and the evolving definition of "home" resonate across diverse audiences, making it a universally accessible story.

• Poignant and Heartwarming: The film strikes a balance between drama and comedy, offering both poignant moments of reflection and heartwarming instances of family connection, leaving viewers with a sense of understanding and hope.

Why to Watch Movie

• Emotional Resonance: If you appreciate films that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the emotional landscape of family life, "Autumn" offers a deeply moving and authentic experience.

• Cultural Insight: The movie provides a glimpse into rural Portuguese life and culture, offering a unique setting and perspective that enriches the storytelling.

• Character-Driven Narrative: For those who enjoy character-focused dramas, "Autumn" excels in portraying the individual journeys and internal struggles of each family member, making them feel real and relatable.

• Thought-Provoking Exploration of "Home": The film prompts reflection on what "home" truly means beyond a physical space, exploring its connection to memory, identity, and evolving family bonds.

• Award-Winning Direction and Performances: The film's accolades, including awards for directing and acting, indicate a high level of craftsmanship and talent involved in its creation, promising a well-made and engaging viewing experience.

Movie Trend "Autumn (2023)" appears to follow the trend of Intimate, Character-Driven Dramas with Universal Themes. This trend focuses on smaller, often independent productions that prioritize deep character development and explore universally relatable human experiences, such as family dynamics, coming of age, and personal transformation, rather than relying on large budgets, special effects, or action. These films often gain recognition at film festivals for their artistic merit and emotional depth.

Social Trend "Autumn (2023)" aligns with the social trend of Re-evaluating Family Structures and Intergenerational Relationships in a Globalized World. As younger generations increasingly seek opportunities away from their hometowns, often in different countries, families are forced to adapt to new forms of connection and redefine their roles. The film captures the emotional impact of this geographical separation, the challenges of maintaining strong family bonds across distances, and the adjustments parents and children must make to evolving family dynamics in a more mobile and interconnected society. It highlights the "empty nest" phenomenon as a significant social experience for many parents today.

Final Verdict "Autumn (2023)" by Antonio Sequeira is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that offers a sincere and intimate look at the evolving dynamics of a family in a changing world. Its strength lies in its authentic portrayal of universal themes like coming of age, mid-life crises, and the empty nest, making it highly relatable to a broad audience. With strong performances and a thoughtful seasonal structure, the movie delivers a poignant, heartwarming, and ultimately hopeful message about adaptation, love, and the enduring meaning of home.

Recommendations for film makers

• Embrace Personal Narratives: Filmmakers should draw from their own experiences and observations to create authentic and emotionally resonant stories. "Autumn" demonstrates how a personal story can achieve universal appeal.

• Prioritize Character Development: Invest deeply in developing well-rounded, empathetic characters whose individual journeys contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative. Giving each character their own perspective, as Sequeira did, enriches the story.

• Utilize Setting and Time as Narrative Elements: Consider how the environment and the passage of time can be integrated into the storytelling, mirroring emotional shifts and character development. The seasonal structure in "Autumn" is a prime example.

• Focus on Universal Themes: Even with a specific cultural setting, aim for themes that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, such as family, identity, change, and belonging, to ensure broader audience connection.

• Commit to Authenticity in Production: If the story benefits from it, consider unconventional production schedules or methods (like shooting over a year) to capture genuine transformations and environmental nuances.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Independent and Character-Driven Films: The success of "Autumn" highlights the audience appetite for smaller, intimate stories that prioritize emotional depth and strong narratives over spectacle. The industry should continue to foster and distribute such films.

• Recognize and Promote Global Talent: Antonio Sequeira's success as a Portuguese director reaching international audiences underscores the importance of discovering and promoting diverse voices and stories from around the world.

• Invest in Films with Relatable Social Themes: Movies that explore contemporary social trends, such as changing family structures due to globalization or the empty nest phenomenon, can resonate deeply with audiences and offer valuable cultural commentary.

• Leverage Streaming Platforms for Niche Content: HBO Max's distribution of "Autumn" demonstrates how streaming services can provide a vital platform for films that might not achieve massive theatrical box office but find a dedicated audience.

• Encourage Authentic Storytelling: The industry should continue to encourage filmmakers to tell stories with honesty and vulnerability, as these often lead to the most impactful and memorable cinematic experiences.

Final Conclusions "Autumn (2023)" is a testament to the power of intimate storytelling, demonstrating that a focus on authentic human experiences and relatable family dynamics can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. Antonio Sequeira's debut feature masterfully navigates the complexities of change within a family unit, offering a poignant and universally resonant narrative. Its success underscores the enduring appeal of character-driven dramas that explore the evolving meaning of "home" and the challenges and joys of intergenerational relationships in a modern, globalized world.