1. Harold and Maude
This dark comedy from 1971 is a perennial favourite for a reason. It’s about a death-obsessed young man and a life-affirming older woman finding connection, proving that love really knows no bounds, even if society has some strong opinions about it. Plus, the Cat Stevens soundtrack just wraps around you like a warm blanket. It's quirky, it's touching, and it certainly offers a unique perspective on embracing life's fleeting moments. A true gem.
2. Wings of Desire
Wim Wenders’ 1987 masterpiece transports you to a black-and-white Berlin, observing humanity through the eyes of invisible angels. It’s a meditative, poetic experience, contemplating existence, connection, and the simple joys of being human. When an angel falls in love and longs for mortality, the film shifts to colour, inviting you to savour every sensory detail. It's deeply philosophical but also profoundly moving, a true cinematic balm for the soul.
3. The Station Agent
Peter Dinklage shines in this 2003 indie darling about a man who inherits a train station and finds unexpected friendship. It’s quiet, character-driven, and perfectly showcases the beauty of finding your people in the most unlikely of places. The film doesn't rely on grand gestures, instead focusing on subtle interactions and the shared human need for belonging. And, honestly, who doesn't love a good story about quirky outsiders forming their own little family?
4. Columbus
This 2017 film is an architectural meditation, exploring grief and connection against the backdrop of modernist buildings in Columbus, Indiana. Two strangers, a young woman caring for her recovering addict mother and a man whose estranged architect father is in a coma, find solace in deep conversations. It’s visually stunning, profoundly empathetic, and moves at a gentle pace that encourages introspection. You’ll leave feeling a little more connected to the world, and certainly more observant.
5. Paterson
Jim Jarmusch’s 2016 film about a bus driver named Paterson, who lives in Paterson, New Jersey, and writes poetry, is pure, unadulterated calm. It celebrates the beauty in routine, the quiet creativity of everyday life, and the simple, enduring love between partners. There’s no dramatic tension, just a week in the life of a gentle soul. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the ordinary. And that’s a beautiful thing.
6. Another Year
Mike Leigh’s 2010 drama chronicles a year in the life of a happily married, grounded couple and their less fortunate friends. It’s a masterclass in human observation, presenting a mosaic of loneliness, hope, and the quiet struggles of middle age. The film feels incredibly real, capturing the bittersweet complexities of relationships without judgment. And, while it can be melancholic, there's a deep well of empathy that makes it genuinely comforting.
7. Little Miss Sunshine
This 2006 indie road trip comedy is an absolute shot of pure, chaotic joy. Following the dysfunctional Hoover family as they travel to a child beauty pageant, it’s a brilliant exploration of failure, family bonds, and embracing your authentic, awkward self. It reminds you that perfection is overrated and that sometimes, the best way to win is just to keep dancing. It’s genuinely funny, surprisingly poignant, and ultimately, incredibly uplifting.
8. About Schmidt
Jack Nicholson delivers a nuanced performance in this 2002 dramedy about a retired actuary facing an existential crisis after his wife's death. He embarks on a cross-country journey to stop his daughter's wedding, finding unexpected self-discovery along the way. It’s often darkly funny but also deeply poignant about aging, regret, and the search for meaning in the later stages of life. A quietly powerful film that resonates long after viewing.
