François Ozon's Mysterious Mushroom Lunch Inspired His New Film

By Stephen A Russell | ABC Entertainment | Sun 3 Aug 2025 at 8:00pm

French filmmaker François Ozon has drawn inspiration from a bizarre and potentially dangerous incident in his own family history for his latest film, When Fall is Coming. The film, which has been described as a "wholesome did-she-do-it" story, is rooted in a chilling episode that Ozon's great aunt once encountered, where she accidentally served the wrong kind of mushroom during a family lunch. Fortunately, no one was harmed, but the incident left a lasting impression on Ozon.

"I think, perhaps, you might be as perverse as me," Ozon jokes, reflecting on the similarities between his film and the recent high-profile case of Erin Patterson, who was found guilty of murder after lacing a meal with death cap mushrooms.

When Fall is Coming stars César-nominated actress Hélène Vincent as Michelle, a kind-hearted grandmother living in a picturesque Burgundy village. Michelle's life is turned upside down when she accidentally poisons her irritable daughter, Valérie, during a mushroom-laden lunch. The incident leads to a rift between mother and daughter, and Michelle is forbidden from seeing her beloved grandson, Lucas, setting off a chain of emotional and potentially dangerous events.

Ozon's decision to focus on an older woman as the protagonist is a deliberate choice. "In cinema, we are so used to seeing young people all the time, but when you follow the life of an older woman, for me, it's fascinating," he says. "She's close to nature and happy with the rhythm of her life, until it's no longer possible to see her grandson."

Cast member Hélène Vincent, who is 80 years old, brings a raw and unfiltered presence to the role. Ozon praises her for her natural beauty and the absence of plastic surgery, a refreshing contrast to the societal pressure on women to remain youthful.

The film's narrative is intentionally ambiguous, leaving audiences to question Michelle's intentions and actions. "I love ambiguity and contrast, when things are not black or white," Ozon says. "When the facts give you the opportunity to ask yourself a question, 'What would I do in this situation?' And in the case of this film, I love the idea that we don't have all the keys to the story. It's a puzzle."

The film opens with a powerful scene where Michelle listens to a sermon about Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure whose story has been misinterpreted by the church. Ozon draws parallels between Michelle's journey and the complexities of forgiveness and guilt.

"I love the character of Mary Magdalene in the Bible. She gives so much love, and she's forgiven. I think this idea is beautiful, and it goes against the puritanism you can find in many Catholic movements," Ozon says.

Ozon's previous films have also explored the lives of strong, complex women. His 2018 film By the Grace of God tackled child abuse within the Catholic Church, and Swimming Pool (2003) featured Charlotte Rampling in a seductive, dangerous role.

"You have to understand your actors and to love them," Ozon says. "That doesn't mean you have sex with them, but this close relationship helps them give the emotions we need for the film."

When Fall is Coming is now playing in Australian cinemas, and Ozon hopes that Erin Patterson, the real-life chef from the high-profile mushroom poisoning case, will see the film. "Perhaps she could review it for a newspaper?" he says with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

This film is a compelling exploration of memory, guilt, and the thin line between innocence and culpability. It invites viewers to reflect on the moral complexities of human behavior and the often ambiguous nature of truth.