As a young adult, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own bubble – whether it be friends, jobs, family or university work; life is hectic and learning to navigate it is even harder. Literature and film are vital to keep us afloat and show you the bigger picture: One that validates our fears and makes us feel less alone. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and that your outlook on life doesn’t define the world around you, especially as term is nearing the end and assignments and exams loom so you might not be feeling at your most inspired. So here are 5 books and films that have changed the way I view my life as a young adult and maybe you can take some inspiration from them too.
Amelie
Amelie is a classic of French cinema. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Amelie tells the story of a young woman named Amelie Poulain, who is a shy, quirky and introverted waitress. The film is a romantic comedy in which the protagonist changes the lives of those around her in her search for love. One of the film’s main themes is that of isolation and loneliness. As a young woman, she lives alone and is only in contact with those surrounding her – her neighbours and colleagues. The highlight of this film is not the whimsy decor and wonderful music, but the importance of the character’s individuality in her search for romance. It shows that despite her antisocial demeanour, her uniqueness attracts those who are meant for her. Every character in the film has quirks and different personalities. The film shows the importance of imagination and creativity and most importantly, how valuable it is to be true to yourself and that what others may deem as “weird” is often a great quality.
Aftersun
Aftersun is a coming-of-age film that came out in 2022. Directed and produced by Charlotte Wells, Aftersun is a film that reshapes how you view memory, parenthood and the quiet struggles that exist beneath the surface of day to day life. As a young adult, this film reminds you of the people who raised you, especially your parents. It highlights the fact that they are not just caretakers, but complex individuals with their own hidden pains and regrets. Watching the story of a daughter and father unfold through a haze of nostalgia and reflection confronts you with the fragility of time and the limitations of memory. The film doesn’t offer any dramatic twists, but shows the emotion and meaning in small moments. As a young adult, this film challenges the way you perceive childhood and the adults around you. It’s beautiful and haunting all at once, and forces you to cherish the people in your life.
Lady Bird
Lady Bird is a film that deeply resonates with anyone coming of age. It’s raw, messy and captures the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. The film highlights the complexity of family, especially mother daughter relationships. The protagonist, Christine (who insists on being called “Lady Bird”) embodies the desire to be seen as more than your circumstances and to be free to define yourself on your own terms. Throughout the film, we see her attempts at finding herself, for instance, by exploring her sexuality in a religious school. What makes Lady Bird so special is its realistic depiction of youth is that it doesn’t romanticise or glorify a period that is painful and intense in its nature. We watch as the protagonist grows through trial and error. Her character is imperfect and so are the people around her, underscoring how important it is to acknowledge that relationships are often flawed and messy, and to keep persevering throughout.
Images of film trailers via youtube
