Being in my 20s, and life after university specifically is nothing like what I imagined. Somehow it has been a year since graduation and just…how? During this time, I’ve finally accepted that my 20s are going to be a tumultuous and anxiety-ridden era of self-doubt and exploration. Which is totally okay because my natural state is one of unease, so I’m set!
If you find yourself in the same boat or are just a human person who enjoys indie movies, these are my top 5 films about adulting. Hopefully, they help shape your worldview or at least validate your angst.
5. Mr. Roosevelt
What it’s about: A struggling LA-based comedian frantically goes back home to Austin, Texas. The pet she shared with her ex, passes away and she wants to hold a funeral. However, Emily (Noel Wells) finds herself in the unfortunate situation of staying in her old home with her ex and his new wonderful girlfriend.
Why I love it: Emily is the person behind a viral meme she can’t get away from. She struggles with creating the next best thing in a society that doesn’t “get” her work. My favourite part of this movie is the way Wells portrays the overwhelming dread and discomfort that follows the question “what do you do?” This movie is a great reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. When you’re young sometimes passion is more important than stability.
Actors: Noel Wells, Nick Thune, Daniella Pineda
Director: Noel Wells
Initial Release: 2017
4. Frances Ha
What it’s about: A dancer living in New York has to deal with being unsuccessful in pursuing her passion as a career. Her best friend has found the “one,” is getting her life together and somehow became an adult. Leaving Frances to cope with being emotionally stunted. She can never make rent, doesn’t really have friends and is always just trying to catch a breath.
Why I love it: If you ever feel one step behind, this is the movie for you. Whether in your career or personal life, Frances Ha exemplifies how lackadaisical life can be if you allow it. Plus, the dialogue is brilliant and realistic because Noah Baumbach is a mumblecore genius.
Actors: Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver, Mickey Sumner
Director: Noah Baumbach
Initial Release: 2012
3. Tiny Furniture
What it’s about: After graduating university, Aura (Lena Dunham) moves back home to New York living with her mom and sister. Her sister is graduating high school and about to start the rest of her life. Yet Aura is directionless with both her life and career. Working dead-end jobs and unsuccessfully dating men, she has to come to grips with life after graduation.
Why I love it: I know that Lena Dunham has become rather cringe-worthy, but this is her first piece of work and it is beautiful. It really depicts how foreign the world is post-grad and how shitty moving back home is. This movie reminds me of how moody and difficult I can be and makes me actually want to get my life together.
Actors: Lena Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Alex Karpovsky
Director: Lena Dunham
Initial Release: 2010
2. Kicking and Screaming
What it’s about: Preppy graduates still living in their college town confront their first year after graduation whether they’re ready for it or not.
Why I love it: If you ever thought that having a university degree made you special, this film will set you straight. If anything, Kicking and Screaming highlights how paralyzing the freedom of adulthood is. Especially when the classist bourgeoisie of post-secondary that you’re used to is ripped from beneath you. Suddenly being single, unemployed, and directionless is exhausting but Baumbach makes it almost endearing in his debut film.
Actors: Eric Stoltz, Josh Hamilton, Parker Posey
Director: Noah Baumbach
Initial Release: 1995
1. Reality Bites
What it’s about: After college, valedictorian Lelaina (Winona Ryder) films a documentary of herself and her friends as they look to begin their careers, explore their love lives and experience existential crises.
Why I love it: This movie is so goddamn relatable it stresses me out. Lelania leaves university with a job in her field that leaves her with a false sense of security because just as fast as she gets it, she loses it. Depending on her parents as she struggles to find a job, her pride interferes with both her career and personal life. I love this film especially for how realistically (hence the name) they display life after graduation. I think university instills a false sense of realism and this film debunks every assumption of adulting you probably have.
Actors: Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller
Director: Ben Stiller
Initial Release: 1994
I know the theme of these movies is pretty secular, but whether you went to school or not these movies really embody the angst of being in your 20s. They give me peace of mind and are constantly being re-visited. If you have any recommendations, please let me know, I always need something to watch!
