Sometimes in life, you might find yourself feeling lost. Is it the stress of finals, the end-of-the-semester blues, or just confusion about the future? Is it something much deeper than that?
Whatever it is, sometimes the best thing to do is to curl up with your favorite drink or snack and watch a good film that will inspire you and help you regain your sense of self.
These are six of the films that best help me when I'm feeling a little bit lost.
1. Magnolia
I absolutely adore the art of this film. This movie by Paul Thomas Anderson depicts the struggle that every different character faces, and intertwines them by the end. Every character faces somewhat of a mid-life crisis and each of them make a realization that their life is their life. This one isn’t as "feel good" as others on this list, but it really brings to light the meaning of the struggle each of us face.
2. Lady Bird
In a more recent release, Lady Bird demonstrates what many of us feel: being out of place and not knowing where to call home. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson has all the problems of a high school-aged girl, and Greta Gerwig really helps us understand we should cherish our teenage years and why we should do so.
3. La La Land
Ever had a dream you didn’t feel like was worth following through on? La La Land was made especially to tell you that EVERY dream is worth going for. Yes, sacrifices will have to be made to live out these dreams, but they’re worth it in the end.
4. Blade Runner 2049
2049 is the classic tale of having a preconceived idea of who you are and where you’re supposed to be in society when, in reality, you really have no idea. To really find your place and know where you’re supposed to be, you have to know yourself first.
5. Punch-Drunk Love
Barry Egan is lonely. He’s REALLY lonely. In fact, he's so lonely that he called a phone-sex line because he just needed someone to talk to. Yeah. Punch-Drunk Love displays how terrible that lonely feeling can be, but also how it never lasts. Another great Paul Thomas Anderson film, Adam Sandler shows what it’s like to be truly in love.
6. It’s A Wonderful Life
Ever thought life wasn’t worth it anymore? George Bailey felt that exact same way when nearly all the money from his bank was stolen. As he’s about to end it, he’s saved by a guardian angel who shows him what life would be like if he was never there. A Christmas classic, this film hopes to show viewers the purpose and meaningfulness of life.
