“Call me by your name” (2017)                         

CMBYN centers around a 17 year old, Elio, on their annual family trip to their vacation home in Northern Italy. Along with the family, is the father’s intern, Oliver, a doctoral student writing his thesis. This movie is about the complex connection that grows between them as the summer progresses. This movie highlights the exploration of their individual identities, romance, religion and the desires they face. This is a tumultuous relationship that explores obsessive and overwhelming love.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)

This is a cult classic coming of age movie adapted from the bestselling novel that follows the high school journey of Charlie and his struggles with mental health. Charlie is an outcast who eventually finds his place within a new found community, however this journey is complex and bumpy with Charlie figuring out things about himself along the way. 

With this exploration of romance and love comes both good and bad relationships. Like all things in life, relationships are ever changing and constantly evolving, for worse or for better. Relationships can look very different from what we hope or even what we see. Sometimes you need to take a step back and take a fresh look at things. 

The following movies show the complexity of relationships and the differences between a healthy and unhealthy one:

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)

This film follows Joel after discovering that his ex-girlfriend, Clementine, has erased him from her memory. He decides to go through the same procedure. The movie centers around Joel’s mind and the replay of memories that arises from this procedure. It is a movie about love and loss that highlights the impact of every single memory and person on a person’s life. 

“Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)

This film is about the journey of a young divorcee, Pat, following his exit from a mental hospital after a psychotic break. Pat struggles with getting over his ex wife and is willing to completely change himself to get her back. This movie challenges the notion of romance being limited by a person’s mental illness. Pat finds solace in Tiffany, an eccentric widow, who teaches him dance and that his life is not over yet.

As we grow up and live our lives we might face tragic obstacles that alter our minds or even our bodies. These situations can create resilience and a new perspective on things that are deemed bad or even life-altering. No matter what you go through, these movies help you know that you are not alone: 

“Girl Interrupted” (1999) 

Suzanna is a girl who, following her high school graduation, is put into a psychiatric hospital due to her battles with inner turmoil. In the hospital she meets a myriad of people from different backgrounds that share both similar and different struggles as herself. She uses this time in treatment to figure herself out and find out what life means to her.

This list could go on forever and trust me I have plenty more to recommend but I truly believe that these movies could be of use to someone, maybe even you. Reevaluate your choices, views and realign your beliefs. Everything is not always black and white and we must learn to embrace the messy blurred grey area.