Let’s call a spade a spade: 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone. Coronavirus? The murder of George Floyd? The election? Every good film and videogame getting delayed? It’s enough to make even the most resilient soul feel burned out. And, because the universe has a cruel sense of humour, it’s the time of year when Seasonal Affective Disorder rears its ugly head and makes everyone feel even worse.
And films can never be a cure for that – but they can be an escape. A momentary break from the dreary every day and serve some colourful, restorative relief. In fact, now more than ever, feel-good films are a must. And not just any feel-good films, but movies where there aren’t high-stakes or massive threats or emotive explosions. Just lovely films where nice people are kind to one another. Here are some saccharine examples to enjoy, for when the burn-out is a little too much
When he’s not show-running the best Star Wars property in the last two decades, Jon Favreau can be found palling around with his A-list foodie friends in this feel-good film. Written, co-produced, directed by, and starring Favreau, the film follows a tightly strung chef as he leaves the high-pressure world of the restaurant business in order to start a food truck with his son. Classic, heart-warming stuff.
Full of Latin music, mouth-watering food, family values, and enough Avengers to practically be an MCU flick, Chef is just a pure delight. Moreover, the film has also single-handedly triggered the resurgence of Cuban food across America, all due to its aesthetically-pleasing cooking scenes. Just watch:
Really, this entire article could just be Richard Curtis films. From Four Weddings and a Funeral to Notting Hill to Love Actually, no one does soppily sweet films like Richard Curtis. But his greatest achievement may just be a recent rom-com with a sci-fi twist: the time-travelling About Time.
Starring the eternally delightful Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, the film follows Tim (Gleeson) as he uses his time-travelling ability (essentially just a re-do switch for life) to “get a girlfriend”. Joyous, hilarious, and even a little scandalous, About Time encourages the viewer to savour every moment of life (even the heartbreaks) and to vibe along with its effulgent soundtrack.
Amélie Poulain was obsessed with Lady Di before The Crown Season Four made it cool. Released in 2001, the rom-com follows a shy French waitress as she’s inspired by Dianna to perform random acts of kindness to total strangers. Set in Montmartre and depicting a wonderfully whimsical Parisian lifestyle, Amélie is all about using selflessness to overcome a sense of isolation.
Released in 2001 and nominated for five Academy Awards (including Best Foreign Film and Best Original Screenplay), the film became a worldwide phenomenon, inviting international audiences to do good to one another. Quirky and kind, Amélie is a practically perfect film (for those who can stomach subtitles)
With modern-life being so fast-moving and complex, it can often leave viewers yearning for a simpler existence – one filled with easy living and beautiful art. No film captures this feeling better than 2016’s Paterson. Starring Adam Driver in a role completely antithetical to Kylo Ren, the film follows a mild-mannered bus-driver and poet as he goes about his day.
Full of beautiful words and small acts of love from everyday people, Paterson proves that normal life can be feel-good too, and that Parisian waitresses and time-travelling Brits aren’t the only ones having fun. Centred around Driver’s understated performance, the film is easy viewing about easy living.
Non-toxic, platonic male friendships don’t get enough love. It doesn’t have to be all chest bumps and sexism: sometimes it can just be two nice guys spending quality time together. I Love You Man has all this AND Paul Rudd. So, yeah it’s pretty feel-good.
Starring Rudd as a recently-engaged ‘dude’ who realises he has no male friends to be his Best Man, the film chronicles his quick friendship with Sydney (Jason Segel), a fun-loving investment banker who just wants to chill and listen to progressive rock. Really, the film is 90% just Rudd and Segel being nice guys and having fun – what’s not to love?
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