Winter Spring Summer or Fall Movie: Plot & Facts 2026

Winter Spring Summer or Fall is the romantic drama everyone is talking about in 2026.

Starring Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White, this seasonal love story swept audiences off their feet when it hit streaming platforms.

If you want the full plot breakdown, cast details, fun facts, and everything in between, you are in the right place.

What Is Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

Winter Spring Summer or Fall is a 2024 American romantic drama film. It was directed by Tiffany Paulsen and written by Dan Schoffer. The film stars Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White as two high school seniors who fall in love over the course of one life-changing year. The story is told through four chapters, each set in a different season.

The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 6, 2024. It was then released digitally on April 25, 2025, by Republic Pictures. Since September 1, 2025, it has been available on Paramount+.

Quick Movie Facts at a Glance

The Full Cast of Winter Spring Summer or Fall

The cast of Winter Spring Summer or Fall brings together a talented mix of young and experienced actors.

Jenna Ortega also served as an executive producer on the film, making it extra personal for her. This was Ortega’s first romantic role after becoming globally known as Gen Z’s scream queen.

Complete Plot Summary: Winter Spring Summer or Fall

The story of Winter Spring Summer or Fall is divided into four seasons, each representing a different chapter in the love story between Remi and Barnes.

Winter: The First Meeting

One winter day, Barnes Hawthorne is hanging out on the roof of his friend PJ’s house in a suburban neighborhood. He catches sight of a girl across the street. PJ tells him her name is Remi Aguilar, who has just finished a college admissions interview.

Barnes is immediately drawn to her. A short while later, Barnes spots Remi at a New York train station. She is heading to tour Columbia University. The two start talking on the train and quickly discover they share a love for The Talking Heads. A connection sparks instantly, even though they seem to come from completely different worlds.

Spring: Prom Night Changes Everything

When spring arrives, Remi is attending her senior prom with a friend while Barnes tags along with his ex-girlfriend. Neither of their dates ends up sticking around, and Remi and Barnes unexpectedly reunite at the event.

Remembering Barnes’ playlist, the two dance together to “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads. When a slow song comes on, Barnes suggests they sneak out for sushi instead. After dinner, Barnes takes Remi to his house and reassures her he is not looking for anything physical. He admits the only reason he came to prom was to see her again. Remi reminds him she is leaving for Harvard in four months. Despite that, the two share their first kiss and agree to spend the summer together.

Summer: A Season of Love

Summer is the emotional heart of the film. On the Fourth of July, Remi and Barnes watch Remi’s father paint their house crimson red in honor of her Harvard acceptance. The two grow closer during these warm months, sharing music, adventures, and quiet moments of real connection.

Barnes, inspired by Remi, starts talking about volunteering with sea turtles in Costa Rica. Remi, for the first time in her life, starts questioning whether her perfectly planned future is truly what she wants. Their different personalities push and pull at each other, but the chemistry between them keeps drawing them back.

Fall: The Hardest Goodbye

Fall is the most emotionally charged chapter of the film. With Harvard looming, Remi faces a choice. She can stick to the path she has always planned, or she can risk everything for a future she never imagined. Barnes tries to show her that life does not have to be mapped out perfectly to be meaningful.

The film wraps up in a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful way. Without giving too much away, the ending leaves audiences with the feeling that love, even when complicated, leaves a lasting mark on who you become.

The Ending Explained

The ending of Winter Spring Summer or Fall has been described as quietly emotional and open-ended. Remi does leave for Harvard, holding onto her ambitions and her future. But the time she spent with Barnes has clearly changed her in ways she will carry forever.

Barnes, meanwhile, steps into his own sense of direction. Their story does not close with a neat bow. Instead, it closes with the suggestion that first love shapes you even when it does not last forever. The final song, “What Are You Doing Later?” by Evangeline, perfectly captures the mood. It is wistful, warm, and full of possibility.

Behind the Scenes: Production Facts

Tiffany Paulsen, primarily known as a screenwriter for projects like Nancy Drew and About Fate, made her directorial debut with this film. She received the early script from co-producer Josh Shader after her romantic comedy Holidate was released in 2020.

Paulsen took direct inspiration from Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy when shaping the film. She and screenwriter Dan Schoffer spent two years in pre-production developing the story.

Principal photography began on Halloween 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The film is set on the East Coast of the United States, but the entire production took place in winter in Salt Lake City. The production team had to design sets and costumes for all four seasons while filming in cold weather with very limited sunny days.

Tiffany Paulsen personally sought and received permission from David Byrne to use the Talking Heads song “Burning Down the House” in the film. The song plays a key role in the prom scene.

The production was paused for three weeks mid-shoot so Ortega and Hynes White could attend promotional events for their Netflix series Wednesday, which became one of the most-watched shows on the platform.

The Chemistry Between Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White

One of the biggest talking points around Winter Spring Summer or Fall is the undeniable on-screen chemistry between the two leads. Ortega and Hynes White had already worked together on Wednesday, which made audiences eager to see them reunite.

Tiffany Paulsen described their bond on set as “lightning in a bottle.” Percy Hynes White has even stated that he and Jenna Ortega were essentially playing versions of themselves in this film, which adds a layer of natural authenticity to every scene.

Ortega brings a grounded intensity to Remi that makes her drive feel real and relatable. White brings a shambling, easy charm to Barnes that makes the free-spirited slacker archetype feel genuinely warm rather than irritating. Together, they create a tension built on what is left unsaid just as much as what is spoken.

Themes in Winter Spring Summer or Fall

The film explores several layered themes beneath its romantic surface.

First love and identity sit at the core of the story. Remi’s journey is really about learning who she is outside of her parents’ expectations and her own rigid plans.

Ambition versus freedom is the central tension. Remi represents structure and goals. Barnes represents spontaneity and living in the moment. The film asks whether these two forces can coexist in a relationship.

Seasonal symbolism is used thoughtfully throughout. Winter represents a cold, uncertain beginning. Spring brings warmth and new possibility. Summer is the peak of joy and connection. Fall is the bittersweet reality of change and goodbye.

Parental pressure is also explored honestly. Remi’s parents, played by Marisol Nichols and Adam Rodriguez, are portrayed as supportive on the surface but deeply controlling underneath. Many viewers have found this portrayal uncomfortably realistic.

Soundtrack and Music

Music plays a big role in the world of Winter Spring Summer or Fall. The shared love of The Talking Heads is what first bonds Remi and Barnes on the train. “Burning Down the House” powers one of the most memorable scenes in the film.

The original music score was composed by Zac Rae. The soundtrack album was released on April 25, 2025, by Lakeshore Records. Independent musician Evangeline Barrosse was discovered and specifically approached by the production team to perform original songs in the film. Her track “What Are You Doing Later?” serves as the emotional capstone to the film’s ending.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Winter Spring Summer or Fall received a mixed reception from critics but a much warmer response from general audiences.

Critics who enjoyed the film praised Ortega’s performance, the natural chemistry between the leads, Paulsen’s confident directorial debut, and the warm indie-pop aesthetic. The Hollywood Reporter called Paulsen’s direction intuitive, noting her skill at capturing close-ups of longing gazes and subtle physical moments.

Critics who were less enthusiastic pointed to a predictable narrative, one-dimensional supporting characters, and dialogue that occasionally felt unconvincing. Mashable called the film’s romance more chilling than charming.

Audience reviews, however, have been notably more positive. Many viewers have praised the nostalgic tone, likening it to early 2000s indie romance films. IMDb audience scores and Amazon ratings both reflect a genuinely warm viewer response.

Where to Watch Winter Spring Summer or Fall in 2026

As of 2026, you can watch Winter Spring Summer or Fall through the following platforms:

There are currently no free streaming options available for the film without a subscription.

Why Winter Spring Summer or Fall Is Still Trending in 2026

Winter Spring Summer or Fall continues to generate search traffic and social media discussion well into 2026 for several reasons.

Jenna Ortega remains one of the most searched young actresses in the world. Her fanbase is enormous, and anything she appears in draws sustained attention. The Wednesday reunion factor also continues to pull in viewers who are curious to see Ortega and Hynes White together in a completely different tone.

The film’s cozy, seasonal aesthetic makes it perfect for repeated viewing at different times of the year. Many viewers have described watching it again in the exact season depicted in each chapter, turning it into a kind of ritual.

The bittersweet ending also generates ongoing discussion. Audiences continue to debate whether Remi made the right choice, whether Barnes was truly good for her, and whether a sequel might ever happen. This kind of open-ended conversation keeps the film alive in online communities.

Comparisons to Other Teen Romances

Winter Spring Summer or Fall has frequently been compared to other beloved films in the coming-of-age romance genre.

The most common comparison is to Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy, which Tiffany Paulsen herself cited as a direct inspiration. Like that series, this film is built on conversation, chemistry, and the bittersweet reality of timing in relationships.

Viewers have also compared it to classics like The Spectacular Now, Everything Everything, and Turtles All the Way Down. The film occupies a comfortable space in the teen romantic drama genre, familiar in its structure but elevated by its performances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Winter Spring Summer or Fall based on a book?

No, it is not. The film is based on an original screenplay written by Dan Schoffer and developed by director Tiffany Paulsen over two years.

Where was Winter Spring Summer or Fall filmed?

The film was shot in Salt Lake City, Utah, including Stansbury Park, despite being set on the East Coast of the United States.

Is Winter Spring Summer or Fall on Netflix?

No, it is not on Netflix. It streams on Paramount+ and is also available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and other platforms.

How long is Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

The film has a runtime of 97 minutes, making it just under one hour and forty minutes long.

Did Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White date in real life?

There is no confirmed romantic relationship between the two actors in real life. Their chemistry on screen comes from their genuine friendship and prior working relationship on Wednesday.

Is there a post-credits scene in Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

No. Winter Spring Summer or Fall does not have any end-credit or post-credit scenes. You can leave once the credits begin rolling.

Was Winter Spring Summer or Fall a box office success?

The film had a limited theatrical release. Its primary release was as premium video on demand, making streaming numbers more relevant than traditional box office figures.

What rating is Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

The film is rated R for brief language, teen drug and alcohol use, and flashing lights that may affect photosensitive viewers.

Who directed Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

Tiffany Paulsen directed the film. It was her directorial debut after a career primarily as a screenwriter.

Will there be a Winter Spring Summer or Fall sequel?

No sequel has been officially announced as of 2026, but the film’s open-ended ending and continued popularity have kept fan hopes alive.

Conclusion

Winter Spring Summer or Fall is a warm, imperfect, and genuinely moving romantic drama that does exactly what it sets out to do. It captures the feeling of first love in all its messy, exhilarating, and bittersweet glory. The film’s seasonal structure gives it a poetic quality that sets it apart from a crowded genre.

Jenna Ortega delivers what many consider her most emotionally nuanced performance to date, and Percy Hynes White matches her beat for beat with a grounded and charming turn as Barnes.

The film is not without its flaws. Critics have rightly pointed out its reliance on familiar romantic drama conventions and its underdeveloped supporting characters.

But for audiences looking for a film that makes them feel something real, Winter Spring Summer or Fall delivers that in abundance. In 2026, it remains one of the most searched and rewatched romantic dramas on streaming. If you have not seen it yet, this is your sign to press play.