7 Films to Inspire, Distract, and Help Get You Through

This is a challenging time. Whatever your circumstance, whether you’re a front line health care worker or someone on day twenty of social distancing quarantine, we hope there’s something here for you. Feel free to comment below on what you would include and what you’ve been watching. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we hope you get some enjoyment out of this list.

T-Rex (2015)

A health crisis that has put the most vulnerable at risk. This is true of our current situation in so many cities and counties across the United States. It’s been true in Flint, Michigan for years, with thousands affected by lead-contaminated water beginning in 2014. All of this on top of years of economic decline that hurt working families hardest. Claressa Shields belongs to one of these families. Faced with every challenge imaginable she fights her way through it. With the help of her family and her community she transforms anger and loss into power. May we all strive to do the same. (Rent or Buy on YouTube)

Beetlejuice (1988)

New Yorkers fleeing to the countryside. A couple stuck together for what seems like an eternity. A young person with deep anxiety that no one listens to. Oh, and yet another reminder: Don’t go outside. (Available to Buy or Rent on YouTube)

How to Survive a Plague (2012)

The current pandemic is overwhelming. Frightening. Disheartening. This documentary about the group of activists who, with no information and no help and no compassion on the part of their government, fought for their survival. It is full of lessons for the current moment on mutual aid, courage, and collective anger and pain. If we can all come up with an action half as good as putting a giant condom on the very homophobic Jerry Falwell’s house then it’s a sign we’re on the right path.

Watch, learn, and above all, Act Up. (Available to Buy or Rent on YouTube)

The Wolfpack (2015)

Just like your couple weeks of isolation in your house/apartment with your significant other or roommate(s) except replace “couple weeks” with your entire childhood and “house/apartment building” with New York City housing project and “signifcant other or roomate(s)” with “five siblings and both parents.” Then you’ve got The Wolfpack. We can all strive to be as creative and resilient as this crew. (Watch on Hulu)

Meek’s Cutoff (2010)

It’s been shown that countries with female leadership have had the best success in dealing with the current pandemic. Unfortunately, in the United States, up until recently there were no women on the federal COVID-19 task force. What does this have to do with a film chronicling a group of women simmering under the incompetence of a blowhard trail guide? Oh, nothing. (Available on Hulu, Kelly Reichardt films are now available on Criterion)

The Mist (2007)

Yes we’re sharing a movie based on a Stephen King novel about isolation and madness but it’s not the one you might be thinking of. This one’s got a grocery store full of panicked people. A lack of information. A poor governmental response. And the villain of this story does the worst thing a person can do in that situation: hoard. (Speaking of hoarding, this one is available on Amazon)

Down by Law (1986)

Isolation creates strange bedfellows. A bunch of misfits are thrown together and get on each other nerves. They go a little crazy. Maybe you’ve had a moment like the one below lately? (Available to Rent or Buy on iTunes)