| Winter Spring Summer or Fall | |
|---|---|
Release poster | |
| Directed by | Tiffany Paulsen |
| Screenplay by | Dan Schoffer |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Graham Robbins |
| Edited by | Simon Davidson |
| Music by | Zac Rae |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | |
Release dates |
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Running time | 97 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Winter Spring Summer or Fall is a 2024 American romantic drama film directed by Tiffany Paulsen from a screenplay by Dan Schoffer. It is produced by Josh Shader of Wall Fly, Brad Krevoy of Motion Picture Corporation of America, and David M. Wulf. Starring Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White in leading roles, the story follows four segments in different seasons, showing two teenagers who fall in love over four days in a year.
Filming took place in late-2022 in Salt Lake City after about two years of development. Distributed by Republic Pictures, the film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 6, 2024, and was released digitally on April 25, 2025.
Plot
One winter day, Barnes Hawthorne smokes marijuana with his friend P.J. and notices Remi Aguilar across the street. Later, while heading to a concert in New York, Barnes sees Remi again at the train station as she prepares to tour Columbia University. They strike up a conversation on the train about their future plans; Remi hopes to attend Harvard University and become a lawyer like her parents, while Barnes plans an aimless gap year. Remi suggests some other ways he can spend his time, such as volunteering with sea turtles or working for a music group, while Barnes shows her a Talking Heads playlist. When they reach their stop, Barnes asks Remi out on a date, but she is struck by a cyclist and needs stitches. At the hospital, Remi gently declines the date, explaining that he is not someone she wants to let into her life at the moment, and they part ways.
Months later, in the spring, Remi attends her senior prom with a friend, while Barnes goes with his ex-girlfriend. They unexpectedly reconnect after both of their dates ditch them. Remembering Barnes' playlist, they dance to "Burning Down the House," but when a slow song comes on, Barnes suggests they leave for sushi. After dinner, Barnes takes Remi to his house and, sensing her hesitation, reassures her that he does not expect anything physical. Barnes admits he only went to prom because he wanted to see Remi again, and he is considering volunteering with sea turtles in Costa Rica, inspired by her suggestion. Remi reminds him that she has to leave for Harvard in four months. Undeterred, the two kiss and decide to stay together for the summer.
On the Fourth of July, Remi and Barnes watch Remi's dad paint their house crimson in honor of Remi going to Harvard. Encouraged by Barnes, Remi tells her parents that she and Barnes plan on volunteering in Costa Rica together. Her parents react angrily, worried about her future, and ground her. Instead, Remi brushes them off and leaves with Barnes to celebrate the Fourth at a lake house. There, Remi crashes P.J.'s jeep while drunk driving and argues with Barnes that taking a gap year is not the right decision, ultimately ending their three-month-long relationship.
In the fall, Remi is attending Harvard and sees on Instagram that Barnes is in Boston, so she sends him a text. They catch up on campus and admit they miss each other, but agree that their breakup may have been for the best. Remi invites him to a Halloween party, but declines because he has a concert that night, as he is working as an assistant for a band. Encouraged by her friends, Remi crashes into the concert venue, confesses she still has feelings for Barnes, and asks if they can try again despite the challenges. Barnes gently declines, saying they are better off as friends. Remi respects his decision and leaves in tears.
Later, the band encourages Barnes to express his true feelings for Remi, after which he realizes his mistake in turning her down. The band helps Barnes by serenading Remi outside her dorm. Remi comes outside, surprised, and the two share unspoken glances before reuniting with a kiss.
Cast
- Jenna Ortega as Remi Aguilar
- Percy Hynes White as Barnes Hawthorne
- Adam Rodriguez as Javier, Remi's father
- Marisol Nichols as Carmen, Remi's mother
- Elias Kacavas as P.J.
- Evangeline Barrosse as herself
- Jacqueline Emerson[2] as Robyn
- Kate Rachesky[2] as Wendy
- Larkin Bell[2] as Saira
- Bridget Oberlin[2] as Stevie, Barnes' mother
- Alexis Zollicoffer[2] as Sheryl
- Kylee Anderson[3] as Erica Morris
Production
Development
After the release of Holidate in 2020, Tiffany Paulsen received an early version of the script by Dan Schoffer through the co-producer Josh Shader. They collaborated to finalize the script, taking inspiration from Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, and titled the project Winter Spring Summer or Fall. Paulsen, originally a screenwriter, directed the film—her first. Brad Krevoy and David M. Wulf also joined as co-producers.[4][5][6]
Casting and filming
Jenna Ortega was cast by Paulsen shortly before she began filming Wednesday in September 2021[4][7] or became known as "Gen Z's scream queen".[a] After about two years of pre-production, the principal photography began on Halloween 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Percy Hynes White joined Ortega as lead cast.[4][8][9][10] The filming location also included the Stansbury Park.[11]
Over the time, Motion Picture Corporation of America revealed to Deadline Hollywood that Adam Rodriguez and Marisol Nichols were signed as Ortega's character's parents.[2][12] Before she had cast White, the director wanted Kacavas in lead role, but he instead chose to play a supporting role as a neighbor/friend.[4][8][13] Evangeline Barrosse, an indie musician, was discovered and approached to perform her original songs in the film.[5][14] Kendra Shay Clark, Helen Geier, and Jeff Johnson served as the casting directors.[1]
The film is set in the East Coast of the United States and depicts one day each from four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall, so the set and the wardrobe had to be designed accordingly despite being filmed in winter, with limited sunny days. Gabriel Jessop and Alyson Hancey served as the production designer and costume designer respectively. Paulsen also took David Byrne's formal permission to use song "Burning Down the House".[4][5]
The production was paused for three weeks so the lead cast could attend promotional events for their then-upcoming series Wednesday,[6] which later became one of the most-watched series on Netflix.[15][16] The director called their bond as "lightning in a bottle", and recalled Ortega to be the filmmakers' "first choice" and "dream team" despite having a tight schedule with availability of about an 11-day window.[4][8] Reportedly, this was Ortega's first romantic role, and she also served as an executive producer. She expresses her primary choice to be horror films and not liking the romantic genres.[10][17]
Post-production
After the filming wrapped up, the post-production phase started in January 2023, but the release was shelved. Graham Robbins served as the cinematographer, Simon Davidson as film editor, and Michael "Mike" Turner as the music supervisor.[1][18][19] FrameRiver provided the visual effects services for the film.[20] In March 2023, Republic Pictures partnered for the film release.[21]
Music
| External media | |
|---|---|
| Audio | |
| Video | |
The soundtrack album was released by Lakeshore Records via music streaming services on April 25, 2025. It includes the film score by Zac Rae, and 4 songs by Evangeline including her "What Are You Doing Later?", "Will", and "Windansea".
Release
The film premiered at the 23rd Tribeca Festival on June 6, 2024.[22][23] It was released as premium video on demand by Paramount Pictures on April 25, 2025, and also had a limited theatrical release.[24][25] On September 1, 2025, the film began streaming on Paramount+.[26][27]
Reception
Critical reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 31% of 16 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.30/10.[28]
Lovia Gyarkye praised the director while writing for The Hollywood Reporter, saying that she has an "intuitive sense" of making one blush by capturing close-ups of "the longing gazes" and "subtle touches" between the lead pair.[1] Belen Edwards commented for Mashable that this "Wednesday reunion is anything but charming" as their "romance feels more like horror".[29] Writing for Next Best Picture, Lauren LaMagna praised it as a "unique coming-of-age story", which is both "heartwarming and heartbreaking" and "captures the essence of first love".[30] Will Bjarnar commented for InSession Film that the film "is hardly ever convincing, let alone natural".[31] For Paste, Jesse Hassenger called it "more than a little cheap-looking" movie, which is "full of heartfelt contrivances".[32] John Serba of Decider commented that "with very little fanfare", the screenplay is "more concept than story", and "godawful dialogue" which does not sound like "real human beings".[33]
Accolades
At the 16th Hollywood Music in Media Awards, Mike Turner & Jonathan Lane were nominated for Best Music Supervision – Film.[34][35]
Notes
- ^ Refer to Jenna Ortega, a "Gen Z's scream queen"
References
- ^ a b c d Lovia Gyarkye (June 7, 2024). "'Winter Spring Summer or Fall' Review: Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White Anchor a Feathery Romance". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Ashley Steves (February 22, 2023). "Marisol Nichols Joins Jenna Ortega in 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall'". Backstage. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Kylee Anderson's official website". Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f Karen Benardello (June 16, 2024). "Tribeca/Winter Spring Summer or Fall: Interview with Director". Cinema Daily US. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c Owen Danoff (June 7, 2024). "Winter Spring Summer Or Fall Director Tiffany Paulsen On Jenna Ortega's First Romance". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on June 7, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Hilary Lewis (June 19, 2024). "'Winter Spring Summer or Fall' Director on Helming Her First Movie With Jenna Ortega, Percy Hynes White Amid 'Wednesday' Frenzy". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Bradley (September 13, 2021). "Tim Burton's 'Wednesday' Series Officially Begins Filming at Netflix [Exclusive]". Midgard Times. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c Tim Lammers (June 5, 2024). "Director On Magic Of Jenna Ortega In New Movie With 'Wednesday' Co-Star". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Katie Louise Smith (December 9, 2022). "Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White are playing love interests in a new romcom". Capital FM. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Justin Kroll (December 15, 2022). "Jenna Ortega & Her 'Wednesday' Co-Star Percy Hynes White Reunite On Tiffany Paulsen's Directorial Debut 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Smith (April 16, 2025). "Winter Spring Summer or Fall Filming Locations (2025)". 4 Filming. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ Justin Kroll (December 16, 2022). "Adam Rodriguez Joins Jenna Ortega In 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Denise Petski (April 3, 2023). "'Pretty Little Liars: Summer School': Elias Kacavas Upped To Series Regular For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 21, 2025. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ Sophia June (March 14, 2023). "Meet Evangeline, The Indie Musician About To Star Alongside Jenna Ortega". Nylon. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Adam Bentz (June 20, 2023). "Wednesday Finally Beats Stranger Things On Netflix's Most Popular Shows Chart (With A Twist) 4". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on May 24, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Ethan Shanfeld (January 14, 2025). "'Squid Game 2' Becomes Netflix's Third Most-Watched Season Ever, After 'Squid Game 1' and 'Wednesday'". Variety. Archived from the original on April 1, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Hunter Harris (March 7, 2023). "Jenna Ortega is watching you". Elle. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ Ariz. Gilbert (May 16, 2024). "Mike Turner, a CRAS Graduate, Who Didn't Even Know What a Music Supervisor Was Until Age 30, Now Excels in His Career with Numerous Award Nomination and Wins". Recording Magazine. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ Tim Lammers (June 5, 2024). "Percy Hynes White Director: 'I Look Forward To Working With Him Again'". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "GOOD NEWS: FrameRiver: Winter Spring Summer or Fall at TRIBECA". Vancouver Post Alliance. May 1, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ Matt Donnelly (February 8, 2026). "Paramount Global Revives Republic Pictures, Historic Home to John Wayne and Orson Welles, as Acquisition Label (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ Hilary Lewis (April 17, 2024). "Tribeca Festival 2024 to Feature Jenna Ortega, Kristen Stewart and Lily Gladstone Movies". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Tim Lammers (May 6, 2024). "Jenna Ortega Movie With 'Wednesday' Co-Star Gets World Premiere Date". Forbes. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Alex West (April 15, 2025). "Little-known Jenna Ortega 2024 movie finally gets release date after controversy". The Mirror US. Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Tim Lammers (April 25, 2025). "Jenna Ortega's 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall' Is New On Streaming - How To Watch". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Matt Grobar (August 18, 2025). "Jenna Ortega Romance 'Winter Spring Summer Or Fall' Sets Paramount+ Premiere Date". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 18, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
- ^ Zack Sharf (September 1, 2025). "24 Best New Movies to Streaming in September". Variety. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Winter Spring Summer or Fall at Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Belen Edwards (June 7, 2024). "'Winter Spring Summer or Fall' review: Jenna Ortega's romance makes us want to scream". Mashable. Archived from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Lauren LaMagna (June 8, 2024). ""Winter Spring Summer or Fall" - Review". Next Best Picture. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Will Bjarnar (June 12, 2024). "Movie Review (Tribeca 2024): 'Winter Spring Summer or Fall' is an Empty YA Romance". InSession Film. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Jesse Hassenger (June 17, 2024). "Winter Spring Summer or Fall Review: Jenna Ortega Says Anything". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on August 11, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ John Serba (September 3, 2025). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Winter Spring Summer or Fall' on Paramount+, in Which Jenna Ortega is Stuck in a High-Concept Romance". Decider. Archived from the original on September 5, 2025. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
- ^ Paul Grein (November 5, 2025). "'Wicked: For Good', 'Sinners' & More lead 2025 Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nominations: Full List". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ Paul Grein (November 19, 2025). "No Lie: 'Sinners' is Top Winner at 2025 Hollywood Music in Media Awards (Full List)". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 1, 2025. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
External links
- 2024 films
- American romantic drama films
- 2024 English-language films
- 2024 romantic drama films
- 2024 American films
- English-language romantic drama films
- Films shot in Salt Lake City
- American coming-of-age drama films
- American teen drama films
- American teen romance films
- 2020s coming-of-age drama films
- Coming-of-age romance films
- 2020s teen romance films
- English-language teen drama films
- 2025 directorial debut films
- Republic Pictures films
- Winter in culture
- Films set on trains
- Films about road accidents and incidents
- Spring (season) in culture
- Films about proms
- Summer in culture
- Independence Day (United States) films
- Works about driving under the influence
- Autumn in culture
- American films about Halloween
- Films set in Harvard University
