Term time often brings with it intense stress and feelings of isolation that can be difficult to handle on our own. On days where I have a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach or where I feel numb and don’t want to do anything, there is one thing I can rely on to make things just that little bit easier to tolerate, and that’s a good old comfort film. We all have them – films that we can watch again and again, films that feel like a warm hug. So, without further ado, here are some of my favourite comfort films:
Mamma Mia
To me, Mamma Mia feels like home. It’s a film that I share with my mum. We’ve watched it countless times together and quote the entire thing whenever it’s on tv, so even when I’m on the other side of the country, switching Mamma Mia on and singing along makes me feel connected to my mum. Beyond that, no film has a more infectious sense of joy. Watching older women come together and delight in feeling young and alive is peak escapism, and for 108 minutes I am transported from my flat to a sunny Greek island where Aphrodite watches over everyone and the worst thing that can happen is Dominic Cooper throwing a hissy-fit.
Ella Enchanted
Following in Shrek’s footsteps with its comedic mix of modern and medieval, Ella Enchanted divided critics, but in my (only slightly exaggerated) opinion it’s the best film ever made. It’s camp, endlessly quotable, and occupies that wonderfully awkward space between musical and non-musical. While it does suffer from early-2000s “Not Like Other Girls”-itis, Ella is still endlessly loveable as a radical, “pro-ogre” activist. She has inspired me since childhood, and even now her determination still motivates me. Her personal struggle for autonomy is also one that speaks to me, and the moment she lifts the curse manages to stir me even when I’m at my lowest.
Barbie Princess and the Pauper
How this film manages to be so enjoyable with its horrendous, dated animation and a classist cat speaking in a bad British accent is a mystery, but the fact remains that Princess and the Pauper is regarded by many as a childhood classic. For me, the highlight of this film is its villain, Preminger. Is he a homophobic stereotype? Yes. Is he a delight to watch? Also yes. Watching this man doing the weirdest things you can imagine in public, including but not limited to growling at a cat in front of the entire royal court and screaming out loud every time the Queen says something he dislikes, is one of life’s greatest joys, and I strongly encourage you to experience it for yourself.
American Psycho
This is a definite odd one out, but similar to my enjoyment of Princess and the Pauper, I just love to laugh at Patrick Bateman. He might represent some very real and scary things, but the character himself is an object of scorn and derision, and it feels comforting in a way to be able to laugh when this man’s ego is bruised. His attempts to fit in or even to be superior fail so spectacularly that I can’t help but bully him from afar. Christian Bale’s masterful performance also perfectly complements Patrick’s pathetic aura, his iconic nasal voice lending comedy to every line that comes out of his mouth. Let’s see Paul Allen’s comfort movie.
Image “Mamma Mia!” by Nick Grabowski is licensed under CC BY 2.0.