Weird-Girl Films for Fall

An artsy, somewhat fringe, and overall unnerving movie list.

This year I welcomed the copper leaves of autumn’s equinox with great fervor.

A season represented by brick dormitories, drizzles of rain, and a collectively creative energy swirling though the air. The evening light is dimming while the stack of books on my bedside table grows taller. I’ve started treating my reading list like an English 100 class—a bushy tailed freshman taking notes and diving deeper into the discussions around these works. Along with my faux syllabus, I’m also getting ready for some excellent fall film watching.

As someone who typically approaches October wishing they could stretch the dog days of summer just one week longer, I’ve really been enjoying having “a show” again. It’s the time of year we reactivate our streaming services and start making warm earthy elixirs for at-home movie nights. This is my second year compiling a fall watch list, so there are lots of recommendations in here for those of you seeking great film. 📽️

Let’s start with the feel-good films!

Before we get into the weirder material, if you’re someone who prefers cozy vibes in autumn, last year I put together my Fave Feel-Good Films of Fall (20+ movies to warm the heart). This is a collection I really love and often reference when I’m looking for something to lift my spirits. I would highly suggest a browse through these charming (and updated) gems!

This year however, we’re getting artsy, a little fringe, and overall a bit unnerving.

I ended up reading several books under the genre ‘weird-girl lit’ this summer, and enjoyed them more than I anticipated. If you’re interested in what I mean by this, below are eight books to dip your toes into the bizarre and somewhat dark corners of literature. Read at your own risk, and if you do, please let me know what you think! 🐇

Alright weirdos, onto the movie list!

Here we have a supernatural collection of sci-fi realities, Frankensteinian witchcraft, and the general complexities and chaos that come with being a woman in this crazy world we all live in. Think cerebral, psychological thriller, beauty, and mild horror (nothing too gruesome).

With acceptance of all freakiness—please enjoy!

Poor Things (2023)
Starting off with one of my absolute favourites. This movie follows the life of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist. As she defies conventions and embraces her desires, Bella challenges the expectations of her time. Deliciously brilliant and weird—this is a six tiered cake of visual delight.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Simply put (and trust me, there is nothing simple about this movie), the story follows Evelyn Wang, a struggling laundromat owner, who is suddenly thrust into a multiverse adventure. It’s utter chaos, humour, and profound emotional depth all blended up into a vibrantly complex experience of family relationships, the meaning of life, and embracing our unique journeys.

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023)
A young vampire, Sasha, relies on blood but can’t bring herself to kill humans. Her parents eventually cut off her blood supply, forcing her to source her own food. When Sasha meets Paul, a lonely suicidal teen, she finally feels ready for her first kill. But emotions are messy and the desire for connection is strong—leaving them in a peculiar predicament. A super cute and fun vampire spin! Scott and I really enjoyed this one. *french with subtitles

The Best Offer (2013)
An esteemed auctioneer who specializes in fine art and antiques also happens to be a reclusive man with a fear of intimacy. When commissioned to appraise the estate of a very mysterious woman, he becomes fascinated with her and starts to break down his emotional barriers. It’s perfectly moody—full of great twists, well-kept secrets, and heartbreak. Not to mention the power of a woman’s gaze and that incredible art wall!

Suspiria (2018)
A reimagining of the 1977 classic horror film - this time a little more artsy and sensual (thanks to Luca Guadagnino). The story follows Susie Bannion, a young American dancer, who attends a prestigious dance academy in Berlin. Set in the politically charged 1970s, as Susie wholly immerses herself in the school's intense training, she uncovers the headmasters are running a dark cult. A few scenes are little too graphic for my taste, but it still made the list because the artistry is superb and the music is so incredibly good.

The Craft (1996)
A supernatural drama following Sarah, the new girl at school, who feels out of place in Los Angeles. She becomes friends with three outcasts and the girls bond over their shared interest in witchcraft. If you enjoy 90s aesthetic, the struggles of adolescence, and the complexities of female relationships, this little fantasy thriller is for you.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Marianne is a young painter who is commissioned to create a portrait of Héloïse—a reluctant soon-to-be bride that refuses to pose for a painting. Marianne is instructed to observe her in secret and paint her from memory, developing a deep and intimate connection along the way. This tender and passionate film has stunning cinematography and a haunting quality that lingers long after it’s over. A great reflection on the beauty and pain of love. *french with subtitles

Death Becomes Her (1992)
Two women obsessed with youth (Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn) are willing to do whatever it takes to gain possession of a supernatural potion. Their intense rivalry over eternal life leads to the absolutely absurd and bizarre consequences of immortality. This classic satire touches on the impossible beauty standards women face and the dark reality that jealousy creates. Heads will roll…but thankfully the graphics are bad enough to keep it from actually being scary.

Black Swan (2010)
Nina Sayers, a dedicated ballet dancer, lands the lead role in a production of ‘Swan Lake’. Her obsession with perfection consumes her and starts to take a psychological toll on her artistry. This intense and haunting performance of Nina’s fractured psyche is full of madness, duality, and stunning visuals.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)
A coming-of-age film based in the strict suburban household of the Lisbon family. It’s 1970 and the neighbourhood boys are all fascinated with the five mysterious Lisbon sisters and their struggles with adolescence. A devastatingly tragic tale brilliantly told through the whimsical and melancholic lens of Sofia Coppola.

Gone Girl (2014)
The disappearance of Amy Dunne, on her fifth wedding anniversary, leads to a media frenzy and the intense scrutiny of her husband. A tense and suspenseful story that covers manipulation, the complexities of relationships, and the lengths we’ll go to maintain our facades. Like several of the recommendations on this list, this story is a based on a bestselling novel.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Susanna is forced to spend time in a mental health facility in the 1960s after a suicide attempt. The other patients, a diverse group of women, help her navigate personal struggles and recognize the fine line between being "normal" and being true to oneself. Another coming-of-age psychological drama, this time highlighting the complexities of mental illness and the search for self-acceptance.

The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)
Lisa Spinelli, a dedicated kindergarten teacher, finds herself dissatisfied with life and unfulfilled in her career. When she discovers one of her students possesses a prolific talent for poetry, she becomes increasingly obsessed with nurturing his gift. The fixation leads her to make morally questionable choices and leaves the viewer with a lingering sense of unease.

Amélie (2001)
This film follows the whimsical and quirky life of Amélie Poulain—a shy young woman living in Paris. After stumbling upon lost treasure that belonged to the former occupant of her apartment, she embarks on a quest to return it. Amélie grapples with loneliness but finds joy in performing small acts of kindness for those along her path. The charming soundtrack, vibrant visuals, and unique story romanticizes the weird world we all live in. *french with subtitles

The Substance (2024)
I haven’t watched this one yet, but the trailer suggests that it will likely fit perfectly into our list. When Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) turns 50, her celebrated career as a TV fitness instructor quickly fades. Amid her distress, she takes a black-market drug (a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself). And as you might assume, weird things start to happen.

Wishing you a lovely fall equinox!

Thank you so much for reading and as always, I would love to hear from you.

What are your favourite weird-girl films/books?
Any fall rituals you’re looking forward to?

Until next week! xx