Cozy Movies For The Chilly Season
Good Will Hunting:
Good Will Hunting is a profoundly poignant drama that searches out questions of identity, redemption, and the search for purpose. Will Hunting is a 20-year-old guy who gets a job as a janitor at MIT. Though he appears to be a run-of-the-mill, blue-collar guy from Southie, Will happens to have the ability to solve complex equations. The story starts with Will anonymously solving a virtually unsolvable math problem left on a chalkboard by Professor Gerald Lambeau, a brilliant mathematician.
When Will faces jail time due to a physical altercation, Lambeau steps in, realizing Will's incredible genius, getting him out of prison on the condition that he studies math and attends counselling sessions. This agreement sets Will on a road of self-discovery where he grapples with his potential and demons. When Will stumbles upon Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), a sympathetic therapist with an equally complicated past, Will finds someone he cannot easily push away and it is these sessions that provide the most emotionally-charged moments in the film.
The autumnal backdrop lends a feeling of coziness that stands in stark contrast to the turmoil Will is dealing with. At its heart, Good Will Hunting is about self-acceptance, the courage to face one's demons, and belief in redemption. The themes strike a universal chord, and speak to anyone who has ever felt caged or terrified by their capabilities. It remains a powerful voyage into friendship, survival, and the transcending power of an act of kindness and, more importantly, understanding.
When Harry Met Sally:
When Harry Met Sally (1989) is an unbeatable romantic comedy that examines the changing nature of relationships. The film is about the relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) and stretches over a period of twelve years in which we see them go from friends to something more.
The film starts with Harry and Sally driving from Chicago to New York after their college graduation. They get into a heated argument on if friendships of the opposite gender can exist without romance. Harry remains a cynical commitment-phobe while Sally is optimistic despite her high standards. The film reveals ways in which people’s views and feelings change as they mature, addressing vulnerability, compatibility, and emotional support. The bond between Crystal and Ryan is deeply original as their friendship evolves into something stronger.
When Harry Met Sally is a seasonal favorite, showing the lovely autumn by scenes of Central Park decorated with golden trees and the cacophony of crowded New York Diners. The dialogue strikes a balance between cleverness and emotional depth, encompassing love and friendship with a level of sophistication that is distinctive as it allows her to probe into the fears and joys of a relationship that is extremely intimate. Nevertheless, it is the film's unique capacity to exchange these themes that makes it so timelessly relevant.
Fantastic Mr Fox:
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion animated film by Wes Anderson, adapted from the children's book by Roald Dahl. The story follows the clever Mr. Fox (George Clooney), an ex-poultry thief who finds himself struggling with his peaceful suburban life. Although he’s promised his wife, Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep), to turn away from thievery for the sake of their family, he finds himself unable to resist the excitement. His need for adventure inspires a series of robberies that soon angers local farmers who plan to do away with the "Fantastic Mr. Fox" for good. What ensues is a charming tale of wit, survival, and teamwork: Mr. Fox, his family, and a group of quirky forest friends, play a dangerous game with the relentless farmers.
The soundtrack, an eclectic mix of folk, classic rock, and an original score (by Alexandre Desplat), captures the beauty and whimsy of the film and give it a folksy adventurous vibe that, along with a color palette and animation style, recalls the coziness of autumn and adds to the adventure of the story.
Fantastic Mr. Fox is well-situated within the pantheon of autumnal classics with its beautiful visuals and heartwarming story all seamlessly sewn together. It invites everyone into a gorgeous and imaginary world filled with laughter, adventure, and seasonal charm that makes for a delightful experience.
