Movies for the Gal in Search of Something

Question, what does a girl who is feeling lost, stressed, drained, and under-stimulated do? If you’re anything like me, you probably feel a little guilt when your body is asking for rest. One thing I have learned and am still learning is that self-love is selfless. Recently (and I mean recently), I have allowed myself to disconnect, retreat, and disable those I’ve enabled. I am finding the true meaning of letting others live their life and only stepping in when and if absolutely necessary. I am unlearning the helping of others at the expense of me. I am putting my phone down; allowing what I need to lead. All this to say, I spent an entire afternoon and evening watching rom-coms, nurturing my body, and feeling nearly no guilt at all. I'm still working on that one. 

The power of storytelling. The reason we watch movies, read books, and listen to music, is because art helps us in our quest--whatever that may be. If you’re finding yourself in need of a boost, a reset, inspiration, I’ve gathered some of those movie titles. They got me cozy, inspired me, gave me perspective, and even hope. ​

 A Little Bit of Heaven starring Kate Hudson and Gael García Bernal. A lively woman who is excelling in her career is struck with life-altering news. During this new unforeseen path, she learns to open her heart, accept things about herself, and surrender. It’s witty, sad, hopeful, and humorous. Gael García Bernal is quite charming in it too. 

Something from Tiffany's with Zoey Deutch and Kendrick Sampson. An honest mistake during the holidays shifts the lives of two couples, opening up a new journey, proving that finding a person who adds to your life is indeed possible. Set in New York, the film has humor, charm, and it’s just one of those feel-good movies that call for cozy blankets and perhaps even a hot cup of cocoa.

Me Before You with Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin. While I selected this one without expectation, I had a feeling there was something special about it. I wasn’t wrong. It was warm, hopeful, thought-provoking, and encouraging. Just because you’re used to something, does not mean you won't like or enjoy something else. Broaden your horizons, as they say. That’s the feeling this story gave me. Perhaps it will something different for you. Whatever it may be, it is worth watching. ​

Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. After being reminded of just how charming Emilia Clarke is, mixed with the need for some holiday feel, I landed on this movie. A perspective on life and what it truly is about. Family dynamics, the messiness of life, and the beauty of it all. This movie is not just about hope, it’s about the true meaning of life.

It Ends with Us with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The wardrobe, the set, the colors. Art plays a pivotal role in this film. Blake Lively's character, Lily, is bohemian and relatable. The story was told at a beautiful pace that was intriguing and honest. I wouldn’t mind visiting that restaurant and giving my compliments to the chef (if you know what I mean).

The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I’ll admit, I watch this one every year. There’s always something feminine, mature, elegant, and respectful, that holds Nancy Meyers’ screenplays. She just gets it. This film is told like a beautiful melody with accents to intensify the plot just enough to lean in. I love this film. 

To conclude, I will add a few more films written by Nancy Meyers: Something's Gotta Give (Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson), The Intern (Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro), and It’s Complicated (Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin). Meyers’ storytelling is female-based, even though the male characters are equally important, the women never get lost in the story. Instead, they shine, and there is always room for relatability. Even if most of us could never afford those kitchens. 

Something's Gotta Give

image: IMDb

The Intern

image: IMDb

It's Complicated

image: IMDb

I feel as though my research here is not yet finished. At the expense of research and doing a job well done, I am obliged to make some popcorn, pull the sheets far enough to shove myself back in, and press play. I am committed. Curious, what other movies would you add to the list? 

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by Jessica G Ferrer