Log out of Twitter for a while and take a welcome break from the news cycle with these heartwarming films
It is completely understandable to let the news consume you in recent weeks, but it’s probably not the best for your stress levels. Make sure you factor in some downtime into your day, and allow yourself the time to forget what is going on in the world for a few hours. Self care rules still apply, so take a social media break, cosy up on the couch and relax with these lovely and uplifting watches.
Romance
It is impossible not to get caught up in these sweet films.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
You can really switch off for an evening with this one, and delve straight into the sequel afterwards. The story, if you somehow missed this sensational teen romcom, is about a quiet girl who over the course of her childhood and teens, wrote five dramatic love letters to the biggest crushes of her life, but never posted them. When someone posts the letters unbeknownst to her, she finds herself in a complicated situation. Striking up a deal to pretend to be in a relationship to make others jealous, soon, real feelings start to blossom. This sweet movie is a real feelgood watch.
About Time
This movie made us fall for Domhnall Gleeson, hard. This Richard Curtis-directed film follows a young man who discovers that the men in his family can travel through time. As he falls for Mary, played by Rachel McAdams, he uses his new skill to eventually win her heart. But as his unusual life develops, he discovers that this ability won’t shield him and his loved ones from life’s inevitable heartaches.
Falling Inn Love
Reviews for this romcom were positive last year — it’s cheesy, yes, very cheesy, but just the kind of sweet fluff you need sometimes. Like a marshmallow in movie form. AM to PM singer Christina Milian plays a woman living in San Francisco who loses her job in the same week as a break up. She enters an online contest to win an inn in New Zealand and jumps at the chance to start over.
Musicals
There really is nothing that lifts the mood like a musical extravaganza.
Sing Street
A Dublin teen changes school as his family struggles financially. As he tries to find his place, he unexpectedly meets the girl of his dreams, and decides to start a band to win her over. Featuring music by The Cure, Duran Duran, The Clash and A-Ha, and some very nostalgic fashion trends, this is a fun coming-of-age film with some very gorgeous views of Dublin.
The Greatest Showman
Need we say more? Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron star in this colourful musical, with singer Zendaya proving her theatrical chops.
La La Land
Just thinking of this dazzling musical elicits a dreamy sigh. A really beautiful story of what could be, two young creatives struggle to juggle their relationship as the demands of the industry weigh on them.
Drama
Be warned, these choices are emotionally-challenging, but so worth the watch.
Wonder
If you didn’t catch this film when it first came out, put it at the top of your priority list. It really is a wonder in itself, and the lead character will melt your heart. After being home-schooled all his life, a boy with facial differences attends a traditional school for the first time. This story follows him as people single him out for the wrong reasons before he starts to shine for all the right ones. Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts and Jacob Tremblay star in this tearjerker, written and directed by Perks of Being a Wallflower creator Stephen Chbosky.
Lion
Based on a true story, this one will break and heal your heart in equal measure. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman star in the film which tells the story of a five-year-old Indian boy who is adopted by an Australian couple, after getting lost hundreds of kilometers from home. Twenty-five years later, he sets out to find his lost family.
Okja
This unusual film is about a young girl who must keep a powerful company from abducting her pal, a gentle beast. Bred to be a cheap-to-produce, high yield form of livestock, super pig Okja is in fact a caring, beloved pet, having grown up in a peaceful life in the Korean mountainside. But Okja is caught up in a massive conspiracy by the big corporation, and an animal rights group are determined to expose the lies. Not an easy watch at times, as there are some very distressing scenes, but you will root for Okja and his determined friend Mija, as she ventures far from home to save him.
Comedy
It’s a no-brainer that a belly laugh will soothe the soul. We love these action-packed, laugh-out-loud flicks, all with female leads.
Spy
Melissa McCarthy, Miranda Hart and Rose Byrne put in brilliant performances in this fun caper. A desk-bound analyst volunteers to infiltrate an arm dealer’s world to prevent a global disaster. This is Melissa at her best.
Ingrid Goes West
This unusual film is probably more of a dramedy, and is incredibly dark but we love that it delves into the unhealthy side of social media. Aubrey Plaza plays a depressed woman who moves across the country to stalk and ultimately befriend an influencer, played by Elizabeth Olsen.
The Spy Who Dumped Me
A pair of friends, played by Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, are thrust into an international conspiracy when one of them discovers that the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy. We love that this buddy movie puts a female friendship centre-stage, and at no stage do they fight over a guy.
