So, if you’re any bit of an introvert like I am, you know that movies are an amazing thing. Movies have become a big part of my life, and that can partly be my parents blame. Films can inspire us, take us to another world or tell another’s story that maybe we can even relate to. Whether you’re cuddled up at home enjoying a good flick or spending a day out at the theaters (while hiding the popcorn that you snuck inside because who doesn’t do that at this point, right), life just wouldn’t be the same without them.
With all of this being said, I wanted to discuss a few films that will do more than merely entertain you. These five films have messages that go beyond the screen of a movie theater, and you should try to watch them as soon as possible, if you haven’t already.
- Get Out
What it is: Okay, if you haven’t heard of this movie by now, I’m 99.9% sure you’ve been living under a rock for the entirety of 2017. The first movie directed by the amazing Jordan Peele (Key and Peele) and with an incredible cast, this movie is truly unforgettable. The creativity, raw emotional and social awareness is unparalleled to any other movie I’ve ever seen. It is somehow creepy, thrilling, comical, thought provoking and heart pounding all at once. It evokes a great conversation about race, politics and morality while never failing to keep your interest. I think the less you know when going to watch this, the better. You’ll probably be thinking about this movie for days after watching it, I know I did.
Where to find it: It is out on DVD and digital release, and available on HBO for the time being.
Why it’s important: Besides keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, Get Out holds a lot of important commentary about race and microaggressions. I can honestly say this is a film that I feel everyone should see, regardless of what race you are, simply for the social awareness and important messages this film will give to you. All while enjoying every single moment.
2. 20th Century Women
What it is: This is a film that I don’t think is talked about nearly as much as it should be. With a amazing cast lead by Annette Benning and Elle Fanning, this film takes place in the 70s in California where a single mom (Annette Benning) is struggling to connect with her teenage son, Jamie. She ends up asking for help from a 20-something photography student who’s renting out part of her house (played by Greta Gerwig) and one of her Jamie’s closest friends (Elle Fanning). This film is honest, hilarious and genuine and brings about endless conversations about feminism and what it means to “be a man”.
Where to find it: On DVD & available to stream on Amazon Prime
Why it’s important: The reason this film is on this list is most importantly because it begs people to discuss things that people often want to sweep under the rug. The conversations held within this film are so important for teenagers, boys and girls alike, to hear.
3. The Big Sick
What it is: What would this list be without one romance movie being thrown in there. This film tells the TRUE story of Kumail Nanjiani and his now wife (spoiler alert) Emily Gordon. Kumail is a comedian and at one of his shows, Emily heckles him while he is on stage. They begin dating, but have an argument centered around Kumail’s traditional family’s values and end up breaking up. Shortly after, Emily develops a strange illness that lands her into a medically induced coma. Kumail ends up at the hospital spending a week with Emily’s parents, which makes for a truly interesting and incredibly remarkable experience.
Where to find it: On DVD, digital release and available on Amazon Prime to stream
Why it’s important: I believe this film is truly important because it is based on a true story. It also brings about important ideas about race, family, religion, culture and what it truly means to be in love. Plus, you will get a lot of good laughs.
4. Short Term 12
What it is: I will admit that this is quite a heavy film to take in, so first put that into consideration. Despite this, I still believe it is a very important film that people should see. It follows a young woman (played by Brie Larson) who runs a group home for adolescents and children struggling with various mental illnesses and questionable home life situations. As the film progresses, you realize that our main character may not have things as quite together as she wants everyone around her to believe. The discussions of mental health alone that this film can bring to light is the very reason why it is on this list.
Where to find it: streaming on HULU and available on digital release and DVD
Why it’s important: This film brings about various important conversation pieces about mental illness, which I believe isn’t discussed nearly enough. More so, the way it is portrayed does not once begin to sugar coat or romanticize the subject one bit. Make sure you have some tissues and a cuddle buddy for this one.
5. Little Miss Sunshine
What it is: Probably the oldest and most quirky film on this list, this a film that I enjoyed quite a lot when I was growing up. It’s about a dysfunctional family with a lot of heart from Albuquerque who travels across three states via a yellow VW Bus in order to enter their daughter, Olive, in a beauty pageant. This family is full of characters, each with a story and a individual struggle that I feel many various people can relate to. This is definitely a film that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
Where to find it: This film has been around since 2009, so I imagine you could find it pretty much anywhere.
Why it’s important: This film brings to light dysfunctional family life and may make you think twice about your own life in some ways, because it makes you appreciate things. Though as lighthearted and funny as it may be at times, this film still manages to tackle heavy topics such a loss, self-acceptance, addiction and body image. That being said, when it is over you will still be left with a warm heart and a smile on your face.
So there you have it! I’ll see you at the movies 😉
-Andrea
