Winter Spring Summer or Fall

 

Trailer provided by Paramount via Youtube




Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Romantic Drama, Coming-of-Age

Platform: (To be announced, expected on major streaming platforms after theatrical release)

Director: Tiffany Paulsen

Cast: Jenna Ortega, Percy Hynes White, Marisol Sacramento, Elias Kacavas, Adam Rodríguez





Winter Spring Summer or Fall

 (2024) — Movie Review Blog



Winter Spring Summer or Fall marks a heartfelt entry into the coming-of-age romance genre. Directed by Tiffany Paulsen in her feature directorial debut, the film follows two teenagers as their lives intertwine across the span of a single transformative year. Anchored by moving performances from Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White, this movie offers a beautifully crafted story about love, growth, and self-discovery.


Plot Summary

The story centers around Remi Aguilar (Jenna Ortega), an ambitious, focused student with clear plans to attend Harvard and leave her small town behind. Enter Barnes Hawthorne (Percy Hynes White), a free-spirited and slightly mysterious boy who crosses paths with Remi during a snowy winter day. What begins as a simple encounter quickly evolves into a layered relationship that unfolds over the seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall.


Each season marks a new chapter in their journey: the thrill of first connection in winter, the blossoming romance in spring, the passionate highs and complicated lows in summer, and bittersweet realizations by fall. As they navigate school, family pressures, future dreams, and emotional baggage, Remi and Barnes discover what it truly means to love someone—and themselves.


Performances

Jenna Ortega shines once again, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a young woman torn between her carefully laid plans and the unexpected emotions stirring within her. Her performance brings depth and relatability to Remi, making her struggles and triumphs deeply personal for viewers.


Percy Hynes White matches Ortega’s energy with a sensitive and charismatic turn as Barnes. His portrayal avoids falling into clichés, instead offering a genuinely complex young man grappling with family issues, insecurities, and hope.


The supporting cast, including Marisol Sacramento, Elias Kacavas, and Adam Rodríguez, add additional layers to the protagonists’ world, making it feel lived-in and authentic.


Direction and Writing

Tiffany Paulsen’s direction is tender and attentive. She captures small, intimate moments—shared glances, lingering touches, quiet conversations—that make the romance feel authentic rather than overly dramatized. The screenplay, also by Paulsen, carefully builds the relationship between Remi and Barnes in a way that feels organic.


The seasonal structure is a clever storytelling device. Each season not only signifies the passage of time but also mirrors the emotional stages of their relationship: hope in winter, vibrancy in spring, passion and turmoil in summer, and maturity in fall.


Cinematography and Score

The cinematography by Graham Robbins beautifully complements the film’s emotional tone. Sweeping shots of snowy landscapes, blossoming fields, sun-drenched lakesides, and colorful autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop for the story. The visual language of the film almost becomes another character, quietly guiding the viewer’s emotional experience.


The musical score, composed by drum & lace (Sofia Hultquist), underscores key moments without overwhelming the scenes. A blend of indie ballads and soft instrumental pieces, the soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the fleeting beauty and heartbreak of young love.


Themes

At its core, Winter Spring Summer or Fall is about growth—not just as a couple, but as individuals. It explores how our dreams and our hearts can sometimes pull us in different directions. Remi’s dedication to her future clashes with the spontaneity and emotional openness Barnes represents. Their relationship forces both of them to confront their fears, re-evaluate their priorities, and take risks.


The film also touches on important topics like mental health, family dynamics, and societal expectations placed on young people. Without becoming preachy, it offers a thoughtful commentary on how external pressures can shape (and sometimes derail) personal paths.


Strengths


  • Authentic chemistry between Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White
  • Strong character development across a clear and emotionally resonant timeline
  • Beautiful visuals and an evocative soundtrack
  • Relatable storytelling for audiences of all ages, especially teens and young adults



Weaknesses


  • Some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to add additional layers to the protagonists’ world.
  • The pacing occasionally lags, especially during the summer segment where the conflict feels slightly forced.
  • Predictable moments—though charming—might not surprise seasoned rom-com or coming-of-age film fans.



Overall Impression

Winter Spring Summer or Fall doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. It succeeds by being heartfelt, honest, and visually striking. Tiffany Paulsen’s assured direction and the winning performances of Ortega and Hynes White elevate the material beyond standard teen romance fare. It’s the kind of movie that feels familiar but still leaves a lingering warmth after the credits roll.


It’s a story about how seasons—both natural and emotional—shape who we are and who we can become when we open ourselves to love and change.




Final Verdict:

If you’re a fan of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Fault in Our Stars, or Love, Simon, you will likely fall in love with Winter Spring Summer or Fall. It’s charming, emotional, visually stunning, and powered by two of the brightest young talents working today.


Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)