It seems inevitable that when blogging about the arts I would eventually get to films, but that doesn’t mean it should be depreciated. Before we were trapped indoors, we all looked forward to buying overpriced popcorn at the cinema and sharing it with siblings in what was once a very enjoyable family trip. Now, we can only scroll through the endless list of film titles on Netflix (or other streaming services). However, you can still bring the cinema to your own home by gathering the microwaveable popcorn and your family members, physically or virtually! Although your family may seem quite tedious after having them around constantly for the past few weeks, here are a handful of film recommendations that refresh the importance of family for those of us sick of our own, or for those of us restricted to facetime them only.
Firstly, it might not seem it, but the 2018 post-apocalyptic Bird Box is a foolproof lockdown movie. Led by Sandra Bullock, the film explores a world driven to suicide by a nameless devastating force and the journey of the bold protagonist Malorie. She is adamantly dismissive of the concept of family, yet motherhood is her primary driving force throughout the film, and found familial significance is reiterated through the group of vastly different people trapped in the same house, while the world falls apart outside. However, it certainly will exceed your expectations of the horror genre in that, although the ending raises more philosophical questions than answers, it leaves you with an underlying sense of hope deep rooted in the idea of family. With its uncomfortably close camera shots, Bird Box is a dark mirror of the lives we lead today and is bound to keep you greatly entertained and on the edge of your seat.
But, if thrillers are the last thing you need right now, then I raise you Greta Gerwig’s delightful adaptation of Little Women, where she candidly approaches a form of feminism that can be understood by all audiences. With a strong emphasis on the strength of sisterhood, Gerwig carefully deconstructs stereotypes of women that have existed for centuries. The film follows the story of the four March sisters, and the trials they face in family and love, as well as their struggles to find their place in a world governed by men. Little Women has a dynamic cast featuring the likes of Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh, and it is remarkably easy to see yourself in any one of the characters or in the bonds formed between them. Gerwig has captured Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale of family and love and re-imagined it for the youth of today, without losing its original charm, making it the perfect film to watch during these times.
Another film that reanimates what it means to be family, and will no doubt make you want to sing out in both joy and sadness, is Pixar's Coco. A coming of age film heavily grounded in Mexican culture, and set against the colourful and enchanting backdrop of the Day of the Dead, Coco looks at the story of young Miguel, who is an aspiring musician despite his family’s protests. While the film has a grave focus on the afterlife that may leave you snivelling, Miguel’s journey of music and self-discovery reinforces the importance that all family, whether it be found or biological, sticks together through the hardships of life. This film will captivate audiences young and old, and stresses just how absolutely unifying music and family can be.
This is only a small list of great films to watch with your family; if you’ve already exhausted your Disney Plus subscription, then I hope you will find this handy!
Happy viewing!
- Kayley
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