By TISHYA KHANNA ’23
As we all try to practice social distancing and staying inside, we find ourselves looking for fun ways to pass the time. Personally, I’ve been watching and looking back on some of my favorite movies. Here’s an assortment of movies to watch and relish, ranging from bubbly feel-good flicks to heartbreaking and beautiful films for a cathartic cry. No matter how you’re feeling, one of these is sure to be good company for you.
1 . “Before” Trilogy (1995-2013)
These three movies — “Before Sunrise” (1995), “Before Sunset” (2004) and “Before Midnight” (2013) — channel the story of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) who meet on a train en route to Vienna. The three installments, set in different times and places, chronicle the conversations the two characters have while walking or doing mundane tasks, which makes all the difference. Viewers see the pair fall in and out of love, discover themselves, grow into different ages, progress in their careers and reveal themselves in raw, unfiltered conversations that the actors wrote in collaboration with director Richard Linklater.
2 . Frances Ha (2012)
Few movies are as surprising and leave a mark as deep as “Frances Ha.” This 2012 black and white delight is the story of a young woman, Frances (Greta Gerwig), living in New York City and trying to “make it” as a dancer. What’s most moving about this movie is its relentless chase for joy — it is lighthearted, playful and Noah Baumbach’s bravest work yet. Viewers experience each moment with Frances and start to care for her as a friend, eventually growing to trust her immense and uncompromising spirit. In a discourse on friendship, love, life and all that it throws at you, Frances is fiercely alive and inspires viewers to want to be the same way.
3. Her (2013)
An intense, intriguing and unusual watch, “Her” is the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a depressed man with a broken marriage who falls in love with his virtual assistant, Samantha (Scarlett Johansson). The movie is unexpectedly tender — Theodore runs around and laughs with his operating system, talking to Samantha and listening to her sing. Moreover, Scarlett Johansson’s shockingly intimate voicing of Samantha makes their relationship feel real. Spike Jonze’s masterpiece is an out-of-the-box narrative on loneliness, love and healing, and a must-watch
4 . “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
Based on Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 novel, this 2012 coming-of-age movie is one of those that you keep close to your heart and keep revisiting in times of need. It channels the narrative of Charlie, an introverted high school freshman recently discharged from a mental health institution, through his deeply personal diary entries. Full of ’90s mixtapes, drugs, friendships, innocence and everything in between, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a story you will carry with you everywhere.
5 . “20th Century Women” (2016)
This brilliant film is the story of three women — Dorothea (Annette Bening), Julie (Elle Fanning) and Abbie (Greta Gerwig) — told through the eyes of Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann), Dorothea’s son, who is “discovering” that he’s a feminist as he is being raised by the women. With shocking honesty, the film touches on the topics of parenthood, adolescence and womanhood. Set in the ’70s and based loosely on director Mike Mills’ childhood, “20th Century Women” is an essential pick in the feminist movie queue.
6 . “Band Aid” (2017)
Zoe Lister-Jones’ “Band Aid” is one of the most unusually creative movies of this century. This small, indie movie is the triumph of an all-female crew. It’s the story of a married couple who cannot stop fighting and decide to save their marriage by turning their rage and arguments into music. They scream and sing and rejoice in a garage with beat-up guitars in their hands. “Band Aid” is quirky, cathartic and snarky — a perfect hidden gem.
7 . “Carol” (2015)
Based on the late Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 book “The Price of Salt,” “Carol” is the intoxicating love story of Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) and Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) set in the 1950s. The film channels the confusion and longing of a forbidden romance as Carol divorces her husband and falls in love with the much younger Therese, an aspiring photographer. With its emotional blows, eroticism and outstanding performances by Blanchett and Mara, the movie is a triumph. “Carol” is unforgettable.
8 . “Begin Again” (2014):
This 2014 musically charged movie is perfect if you’re looking for something feel-good. Set in New York City, “Begin Again” is the story of Gretta (Keira Knightley), newly heartbroken by Dave (Adam Levine), her musician boyfriend who she was touring with. She finds a new beginning when she meets Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo), a record label executive. The movie is full of Knightley’s lovely singing voice and picturesque scenes of New York City. “Begin Again” is refreshing and a go-to when the quarantine blues hit.
9 . The “Harry Potter” series (2001-2011)
I have a confession to make: I happen to be one of those people who have never read or watched “Harry Potter” — until now. I finally got around to watching them in quarantine with my mom (who had also not seen them) every morning after breakfast, and this ended up becoming a great bonding ritual. They are old favorites for many and are perfect to watch or rewatch with family over food and banter. So if, like me, you’ve managed to not watch these gems before — now is the time!
10 . “Legally Blonde” (2001)
Do I even have to explain? Sometimes we all need Elle Woods in our lives to get off the couch and get ourselves together. As online classes become tougher to manage, study breaks with “Legally Blonde” can be great mood-busters and motivators. If Elle Woods can do it, so can you!
Curling up in front of your TV or laptop to watch a movie is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and distract yourself from the hectic world outside. In films, you can find friends, inspiration, romance, laughter, or just some great stories. I hope this list of movies helps you pass the time and find some beauty, no matter what mood you’re in.