Movies About Loneliness To Help Cure Ours

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By Ashley Diamantis

As the days Australians are spending in yet another lockdown increase, there is no better time than now to watch those movies that have been on your ‘to-watch’ list for what seems like years at this point.

Going to the cinemas has always been a way in which people have been able to escape themselves and their lives for a brief moment of their day, and with them being closed again and again, it has been harder to evade those feelings of isolation that continue to grow as we are forced into lockdown after lockdown.

Despite this physical space being taken away, people are still able to enjoy a large array of films available through a mere click of a button, thanks to the growing number of streaming services.

People are able to watch anything from 1920s German expressionism, to the latest romantic comedy starring TikTokers.

No matter the subject matter, a movie is usually perceived as better when audiences are able to relate to a character or the themes of a film, whether that be from traits they exhibit, or to experiences shared.

Something that can in no doubt be related to, especially after 2020, is loneliness; not being able to see friends or family, being let go from a job, and so many other things where getting back to normal seems so distant and foreign at this point.

Although it may seem immature or out-of-touch to say, watching a film is something that can help you forget about problems for a brief moment of time, being a good distraction, and even coping mechanism to help fill up the day when they have been spent mostly empty.

So, here are some movies about loneliness and isolation to help you feel a little less alone about being isolated.

Marie Antoinette, 2006, directed by Sofia Coppola

Perfumed by an initially out-of-place 1980s soundtrack, Marie Antionette follows titular character Marie from 14 years old, where she is sent from her homeland, Austria, to France, whereby she is to marry Louis the Sixteenth, becoming apart of their monarchy, and eventually, queen. Surrounded by beautiful sets and extravagant costuming, the film explores the growing isolation Marie experiences as a teenager, being amplified by the expectations held to her due to her royal position and duties. Viewers can feel the distance felt between Marie and her husband, and that although a lavish and luxurious life is led within the palace of Versailles, the desire to obtain a life of normality becomes abundantly overwhelming. If its your first viewing, make sure you keep an eye out for that iconic pair of converse.

In the Mood for Love, 2000, directed by Wong Kar-wai

Set in Hong Kong during the sixties, we watch a man, Mr Chow, and a woman, Mrs Chan, begin to suspect that each of their spouses are having an affair with one another. The audience never see their partners’ faces, but watch quietly as two people left in the dark about the status of their marriages attempt to figure out how the affair even began in the first place. Ever so slowly, their relationship begins to blossom, where they catch short glances of each other, with the audience knowing of the feelings that exist between them, without any words being exchanged. Feelings of isolation are what bring the two together, and if they desire to continue seeing each other, they express that it is probably best to ensure no one else knows, as an attempt to diffuse any rumours that may arise of them possibly having an affair too.

Nowhere, 1997, Directed by Gregg Araki 

Famously described as “90210 on acid”, Nowhere follows a day in the life of a group of college students as they try and navigate their relationships, and avoid a mysterious alien lizard thing that has been killing teenagers across the Los Angeles area. Audiences see fragments of a lot of characters’ days, but mainly follow Dark, where despite being in an open relationship with his girlfriend, Mel, states that he has “never been so depressed, miserable and lonely in [his] entire life”, having a craving for that one special person that can hold him in his arms, providing some serenity amongst all the insanity that ensues throughout the film.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004, directed by Michel Gondry

Following the breakdown of their relationship, a couple individually undergo a procedure to remove any and all memories they have each other. The film follows Joel, where during his memory-removal procedure, he decides that he doesn’t want to forget all of the moments spent with his former partner, Clementine, especially the good ones. Both of the main characters feel like outcasts in the world, but when together, they find happiness amongst the harder times, feeling a little less alone despite not always being the most complementary to each other. So when they are separated again, taking the option of forgetting each other completely, that feeling of isolation comes back even harder, making them rethink whether losing memories of someone altogether is worth it or not.

Amélie, 2001, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

After discovering a gift for helping those around her obtain what they desire the most, Amélie dedicates her life to carrying out good deeds for others, altering situations to bring about the best possible outcomes for both friends and strangers. The film highlights how a subtle change in the mundane can bring about joy and happiness where most wouldn’t expect to find it. The cinematography is so pleasing to watch, with the colour palette accentuating the vibrancy of Paris, making audiences envious of being able to travel, let alone be outdoors in general. Despite being both a peculiar and bubbly film, the more Amélie focuses on others, the more isolated she becomes, ignoring her own desires in life, and completely avoiding them when they present themselves to her.

If you are feeling like you are struggling and need help, reach out.

You can visit and call Beyond Blue 1800 512 348, and Lifeline 13 11 14, for help.