With a premise about young love, two charismatic leads and a title like Winter Spring Summer or Fall, Tiffany Paulsen’s feature is likely to draw vague comparisons to Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise (and sequels). But while it’s highly unlikely to attain that canonical status, this film edges into distinctive enough territory thanks to Wednesday stars Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White. Their genuine chemistry and grounded performances give the feathery story a needed touch of weight.

Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, Winter Spring Summer or Fall aims to gift Gen Z the kind of rooting-for-them romance on offer for every generation: the unlikely match-up at the center of A Walk to Remember; the music-driven pairing of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist; and, as mentioned, the more emotionally risky and formally adventurous Before movies.

The film follows Remi (Ortega) and Barnes (White), two New Jersey teens who...