We’ve all had that time when we’re feeling lost, confused, or simply hollow. Life at this point seems so aimless; even doing the simplest tasks can feel insurmountable. Whenever those feelings cloud us, we often go for solo car rides and play our sad playlists on the highest volume, the road stretching endlessly before us like a metaphor for our own existential journey. Sometimes this car-ride therapy is just not enough, more intense therapy sessions are required here. Making a hot cup of tea, lying on the couch, and watching a good movie seems perfect for such a mood. ELLE editors brought you heartwarming movies to watch when you’re drowning in confusion and despair.
LEGENDS OF THE FALL (1994)
Did you know the movie name holds two meanings? And you could never expect the second one. In an old interview with American author Jim Harrison, the artist behind this masterpiece– revealed that the title of the novel, from which the movie is adapted, carries a profound ambiguity. It signifies ‘fall’ as the season transitions, yet also alludes to the metaphorical descent from grace, reflecting a man’s inevitable stumble from heavenly heights. However, this movie is a pure portrayal of the loss theme. Tristan (played with raw emotion by Brad Pitt) embodies feelings of confusion and loss of aim in life. From his cyclical departures and returns amidst the falling leaves of autumn to the ultimate departure without return, both Tristan and the film leave an indelible impression, evoking a deep sense of melancholy that lingers long after the credits roll.
Watch on Netflix.
SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. Do we need to say anything further? We began the movie learning that Hope is a dangerous thing, underscored by Red (played by the great Morgan Freeman). But as we delved deeper in the movie, we learned that Some birds aren’t meant to be caged, their feathers are just too bright.
GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
It’s not your fault, it’s not your fault! (The editor started sobbing already) Will (portrayed by Matt Damon) was quite at a loss as to what to do with his life to the extent that you start feeling the same. Accompanying Will Hunting and Sean Maguire (played by late Robin Williams,) you’ll eventually find your lost self, as Hunting did.
Watch on Netflix.
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)
You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period. Literally, we can sit on screen for almost two hours just to hear Chris Gardner (Will Smith) say this quote and weep for another two hours.
Watch on Apple TV.
COLLATERAL BEAUTY (2016)
Love, time, and death. These are the collateral beauty of life. Howard Inlet (Will Smith,) suffers severe depression following the loss of his only daughter to cancer. At this point life seems meaningless to him. With the help of three actors faking to be youth, love, and death in person, we learn with Inlet the collateral beauty of life. To accept life with the joy and sorrow it brings.
Watch on Apple TV.
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (2017)
When we bid farewell to a lover, we instinctively shun the places that echo with the resonance of their memory. But what of the pain when a loved one departs this world? Each familiar haunt becomes a haunting reminder of their absence, a relentless torment that sears the soul. For Lee, (portrayed by Casey Affleck,) the specter of Manchester holds both cherished memories and unbearable anguish. He once vowed never to return, seeking solace in the distance from his past. Yet fate, in its cruel irony, draws him back to the very heart of his sorrow following the tragic loss of his brother. As he grapples with the responsibility thrust upon him as guardian to his nephew, Lee confronts the ghosts of his past with a raw vulnerability. Lee eventually finds the purpose of his life, one he thought he’d lost long ago.
Watch on Apple TV.
Happy watching! We hope you figure things out soon enough.
