What is the inciting incident in the film "Harold and Maude"?

The inciting incident in "Harold and Maude" is when Harold meets Maude. This moment is crucial as it sets the primary narrative in motion by introducing Maude, a free-spirited elderly woman, into Harold's life, which dramatically shifts his perspective on life and death. Their initial encounter not only sparks the central relationship of the film but also challenges Harold’s morbid fascination with death and his family's expectations. The connection they develop leads Harold to confront his own nihilism and eventual growth throughout the story, making this meeting a pivotal turning point in the narrative.