What to Watch: Quarantine Edition
I’m closing in on day 50 of quarantine and I didn’t realize there were so many emotions on the emotional spectrum. I’m one of the fortunate few who have a very comfortable quarantine situation - I have quarantine buddies in my husband and dog, a comfortable apartment, a beautiful park up the street, a great job that I can easily do from home, and access to delicious food delivered to my door at the tap of a button.
I know my emotions are a small drop in the bucket because one thing I’m not feeling is desperation. I’m not a parent locked down with no childcare, running out of ways to entertain my kids. I’m not a healthcare worker who is underserved with limited resources, limited energy, and fearing for my own safety and my family’s safety. I’m not an unemployed single mom who’s behind on my mortgage payment. I’m sure there are ways I can do more and be more grateful and think about myself less. My heart is heavy and I’ve tried be a help, and yet, I know it’s not enough.
But I’m going to keep trying. I’ll keep reaching out and working to grow in compassion and looking for ways to help. In the meantime, I can offer something that might help with whatever emotion you find yourself experiencing lately.
This list of movies has helped me work through some of my emotions during this time. Whether I’m sad about the state of our world, heavy hearted that I can’t do more about it, or hopeful about what tomorrow might bring, these stories have each served me in a different way and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
What to Watch When you need to be cheered up
About Time is a sincere and sentimental rom-com about a man who can travel back in time. While that seems rote, the movie is actually a great reflection on how to be grateful for what you have and not manipulate your future, even if you have the ability to do so. It’s heart-warming and not without its sad moments, but overall you’ll be smiling when the credits roll. You can stream About Time on Netflix.
Toy Story 3 is the ultimate nostalgia play for 90s kids. The fact that it’s in my top movies of the decade is not the only reason why I’m recommending it though. My recent watch of the animated classic left me feeling light and cheery. Not just because everything “works out” in the end, but because it’s a smart, character-driven story and a reminder that even though life changes fast, being loved, truly loved, can help weather the storm. You can stream Toy Story 3 on Disney+ or rent it on VOD.
It’s no secret that I’m a big Wes Anderson fan. I genuinely enjoy his quirky sensibilities and storytelling, but Moonrise Kingdom (my favorite of his films), is not only imbued with his atypical creative style, but is also oddly comforting. It’s about two adolescents who just don’t fit. And while the adults in the movie fumble their way through trying to remind them that they are cared for, the story is a good reminder that no one really has it figured out and we are all just doing our best. Moonrise Kingdom is available on demand.
What to Watch When you Feel Fed Up
I missed the boat on Love & Mercy when it was released in 2014. I was mostly uninterested in the Beach Boys whose influence never impacted me in any meaningful way. And to be honest, I was mostly weary of biopics. But I recently caught up with this origin story and was blown away by the portrayal of Brian Wilson’s life and rise to fame. It’s an honest portrayal of mental health struggles and abusive relationships and it’s a fascinating look at a true musical genius. Love & Mercy is currently streaming on Hulu.
Sure Parasite is the most recent best picture winner and it truly is a masterclass in directing, production design, and all of the technical elements that you’d imagine a best picture winner would carry, but it’s also a poignant story about class warfare. The injustices on display in the first-ever foreign language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards are infuriating, but also a good conduit for all of the pent up frustrations and emotions during this weird time. You can stream the film on Hulu.
This stage-to-screen adaptation of one of the most beloved stories ever written is great for all of your angry feelings about the state of the world AND a great movie for your quarantine woes. 12 men stuck in a room together trying to work out the implications of justice and racism. It’s all good stuff. If there ever was a time to catch up with this classic film, this is it. 12 Angry Men is available on demand.
What to Watch When you Feel Broody
If you’re feeling mopey and whiney about all of this “stay at home” stuff, Hitchcock’s twisty mind is the perfect place for you. There never was a better quarantine movie than Rear Window. Stuck at home recovering from a broken leg, L.B. (Jimmy Stewart) spends his days spying on his neighbors in the apartments across the courtyard and then, he spots something sinister. Rear Window is on demand.
Cutting back and forth between black and white and color, Christopher Nolan uses varying color palettes to hop between the past, present, and future. This cult classic will have you questioning the linear nature of time (sound familiar?). Memento is a stirring psychological thriller that promises a compelling career for the time-hopping storyteller. Memento is on demand.
If you missed the quiet, Indie Under the Skin like I did when it debuted in 2013, you missed out on an underrated sci-fi classic. Though it’s not my favorite genre, I was won over by Scarlett Johansson’s eerie performance as an alien sent to earth to seduce men and destroy them. Fun, right? More importantly though, the movie is about what it means to be human - the great parts and the horrifying parts. Fair warning, this movie is NSFWFH (not safe for work from home). The movie is streaming on Netflix.
What to Watch When you Feel Like You Need an ironic Laugh
The Bling Ring is a true story based on a group of California teenagers who started waltzing in (security was apparently lax) to celebrity homes in L.A. and robbing them blind. The premise doesn’t seem very affecting, but this light and breezy movie will have you rolling your eyes and chuckling at these absurd, celebrity-obsessed, selfie-taking teens. It’s also a cringe-worthy examination of a sub-culture that we might not be so removed from (remember, these recommendations are for ironic laughs). The Bling Ring is available to stream on Netflix.
Similar to the absurdity of self-obsessed young adult drama in The Bling Ring, Emma is a recent release that will have you simultaneously delighted by the gorgeous production design and scoffing at its main character’s narcism. But in true Jane Austen fashion, this film has a great full circle moment for its protagonist who comes to truly care for the people she once looked down on and the fantastic writing and performances will have you laughing along the way. Emma is available on demand (unfortunately you can only buy it at this time).
Sure 50/50 is about a young guy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who gets cancer, BUT it has Seth Rogan, so it has to be funny, right? In all seriousness 50/50 is a great many things. It’s an endearing bro movie, an honest look at chronic illness and the weird ways people respond to it, and a sincere story that might have you laugh-crying, but your still laughing so it’s not so bad. 50/50 is currently streaming on Hulu.
What to Watch When you Feel Like You Need a good Cry
I would be doing The Peanut Butter Falcon a disservice if I didn’t mention that you’ll smile more often than you’ll tear up while watching it. This underrated and under-watched movie came out last year and ended up being one of my favorites. The story follows a young man with down syndrome as he escapes the nursing home overseeing his care and goes on an adventure to find his wrestling hero and become a wrestler himself. He bumps into Shia LaBeouf along the way and what follows is a buddy movie you didn’t know you needed. The Peanut Butter Falcon is on demand for only $.99!
This was one of the last movies I saw in theaters (remember those?) before quarantine. Just Mercy is the true story about civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson (played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan). It’s a heart-wrenching story but one that will make you consider all of your life choices and want to be a better person. Just Mercy is on demand.
Sports movies aren’t normally my go-to but Ben Affleck gives a moving performance in this story about a washed up alcoholic turned high school basketball coach that was released in theaters just before theaters shut down. The Way Back recently became available to rent on demand.