Welcome back, readers! As promised, here is Part 2 of the AvidBards Social Distancing Film List (Part 1 can be found here).
Social distancing isn’t easy for many of us, as a lot of us have had our daily routines majorly disrupted by the current state of the world. While I absolutely advocate for social distancing and think it’s so important to stay at home if you can and as much as you can, I also understand that the mental ramifications can be tough. Personally, anxiety and stress have been at a high, and know that’s the case for many others too. So one of best ways for me to get my mind off overwhelming thoughts is to turn to film, TV, books, music, and any other creative medium. The world of art and storytelling allows me to escape to another place while still allowing my mind to be active.
Rambling aside, in lieu of this all, here’s Part 2 of our social distancing movie list. Just as Part 1 included films that felt relevant to what the world is going through right now, Part 2 will be the same. Whether it’s a feel-good film or a thought-provoking piece, all of these movies include elements that reflect on the complexities of the human condition. Ultimately, all of these films offer elements of shared experience, and at times like these, I think it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together – even when we feel completely alone.
#1 – Jurassic Park (1993)
First of all, dinosaurs. Do I need to go on?
But really, even if you’re not a dinosaur enthusiast, the premise of Jurassic Park is a timeless cautionary tale about the human condition. While we as a species have made some truly incredible advancements because of our curiosity, our overtly inquisitive and meddlesome nature is often a double-edged sword. This classic sci-fi film (which was based on the book of the same name by Michael Crichton, who also wrote the Westworld books) is all about having life change in ways in which we never thought would become actual reality.
The first installment of the Jurassic Park franchise is availabe to watch on Prime Video.
#2 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
For all the students out there, or heck, even those of us who watched this movie as a kid and are looking for something nostalgic, this one is yet another classic. Matthew Broderick plays the smarmy yet lovable Ferris Bueller, who manages to attract good luck wherever he goes and cons his way into playing hooky for a day with his best friend and girlfriend. It’s a perfect feel-good film that simultaneously reminds us to live and love our lives to the fullest, even when we’re stuck inside for a little while. Whether it’s the unapologetically 80s’ vibe, Cameron’s classic “batter batter suh-wing batter” scene (or just Cameron in general), the insufferably bumbling Principal Roony, or the epic situations Ferris happens upon, this exciting tale keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is available to watch on Netflix.
#3 – The Matrix (1999)
Another sci-fi film, but this time injected with a ton of action, The Matrix is all about thinking you know what reality is when suddenly it’s all turned on its head. This is a feeling many of us are currently dealing with, what with so many businesses being shut down like the movies, concert halls, restaurants, bars, and whatever else we normally rely on for entertainment. Even convening for family and social gatherings is a no-no. It’s a surreal concept to grasp when what we consider to be “normal” has been disrupted, and it’s completely okay to embrace the feelings of being weirded out by it all. So what better way to help embrace these feelings than to watch a movie about a world where our reality is actually a simulation that we are totally unaware of? Directed by the Wachowskis (who also created one of our all-time favourite shows, Sense8), this film is classic and definitely should be on your watch list.
The Matrix is available to watch on Prime Video and Netflix.
#4 – The Holiday (2006)
This movie is probably my favourite romantic comedy of all time, precisely because it doesn’t adhere to the stereotypical structure of a rom-com. It’s definitely got its fair share of cheesy moments, but moreover, it’s about life being unexpected and not always going as planned. And despite the hardships, we can always find an opportunity to build genuine friendships and relationships – not only with others, but with ourselves, too. It shows us that though life might give us a lot of pain, it can also give us love, laughter, and positivity, often surprising us as to when and where we find them. Plus, Kate Winslet’s endearing performance alone is cathartic enough to leave you feeling refreshed and hopeful for the future. Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law also do an amazing job in the film.
The Holiday is available to watch on Netflix.
#5 – Zootopia (2016)
To close things off, I wanted to include a film that I think is timeless and always relevant. First, I just want to say that I’m always surprised at how insightful Disney-Pixar films can be (and it’s not because of any misguided notion that animated films can’t be insighftul). No, it’s because they somehow always manage to create content that is equally as accessible to adults at it is to kids. Zootopia is a poignant film that, at its heart, is about xenophobia (oddly enough, it’s about a disease that reverts animals into a feral state, which the characters call “savage”. The implications are not only that of xenophobia, but inherently colonialist as well). When fear-based rhetoric goes rampant, unfortunately a human tendency is to react negatively towards others. For example, take the blatant racism that has been surrounding coronavirus: the misinformation and fear that has been spreading has brought out the worst in many. Zootopia is a film that shows us, however, that acting out of fear and malice will do nothing to help us. Rather, we should focus our efforts on thinking critically, and more importantly on being accepting, open-minded, and positive and supportive of others. Then, and only then, will we truly advance as a species.
Zootopia is available to watch on Disney+.
That wraps up Part 2 of our film list, readers! Let us know what movies you’ve been watching these days!
P.S. In case you haven’t already heard about it, a Google Chrome extension called Netflix Party allows users to virtually watch shows and movies with others. This is a great way to have movie nights with friends or family while social distancing. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
~ Z ~
Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash
