The summer dresses have been packed away. There are corduroy dungarees and faux fur coats in the wardrobe. The heavier duvet is on the bed, there’s a tray bake in the oven and I am single-handedly reviving the fortunes of the humble potato. It’s autumn, it’s time to curl up and nest before those two weeks before Christmas when you have to go out and socialise. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
It’s movie time and this is one of the best romcoms there is. Now, I’ve put the work on this so I know I’m right. You’ve Got Mail is the best. Love Actually is iconic (the dance, the flash cards, Colin Firth). I agree. Bloody love it. When Harry Met Sally is the funniest and sharpest. It’s the twist of lemon in your sweet cocktail. And we will all have what she’s having but You’ve Got Mail is where it’s at.
Meg Ryan runs an independent children’s bookstore which is about to be driven out of business by Tom Hanks’ evil corporate mega-chain. Boo hiss! Meg relies on advice from her email pen pal who is actually TOM HANKS! This film is going exactly where you think it’s going and it’s glorious. It’s New York, it’s twinkly Meg and sardonic Tom with a great dog. It’s about being who you are and learning to let go. It’s a Nora Ephron film so there’s always an edge and here the characters look at themselves with clear eyes and don’t always like what they see. The structure of the film allows you to see the veneers they adopt and how they truly feel. It’s pretty, warm and witty. It’s perfect for watching with the curtains closed, the dog snoring next to you while you eat puddings smothered in custard. Autumnal heaven.