Panache

Weekends are for cozying up in your favorite blanket and spending some me time in front of the screen. But it is hard to choose what to watch.

If you need fresh and light-hearted recommendations, consider some of the movies or shows listed below. They are across many story-telling genres and from different parts of the world. So, be ready for a global ride.

Also read: 10 documentaries/ podcasts to watch about Mental Health this weekend.

Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi is just another student who has just entered high school. Like everyone else, she also wants to make friends. In fact, she wants to be one hundred friends. The only problem is she does not know how to communicate.

Lucky her, she meets a guy on her first day of school who knows how to read the room and is good at reading vibes. Would she be able to make any friends with her personality? Would she change? Would the guy be able to help her?

Watch this animated series that talks about social anxiety at its peak. Every episode reminds you that people suffering from social anxiety want to interact, they just don’t know how.

Another interesting thing about the show is you get to see everyone’s perspective and get to meet some interesting side characters.

A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is about a guy who reaches out to a deaf girl he used to bully as a kid. Would she be able to understand the boy’s feelings? How is the guy doing after so many years? Would the girl be able to forgive him?

A Silent Voice is a beautiful movie that consists of the themes of bullying, forgiveness, introvertedness, and guilt. The character arc is fulfilling which makes it a wholesome ride.

The runtime is about 2 hrs and 9 minutes. Be ready to get your heart melted.

Carol and the End of The World

An asteroid is approaching the Earth and the Earth is about to end in less than a year. How would you choose to live the rest of your days? But Carol is a shy, loner whose life has changed but not much.

Watch the show for its various characters, its arbitrary theme, and Carol who is on a quest to find her life’s purpose when there won’t be a life in a few months.

Martha Kelly is best known for Baskets. You might remember her as the drug lady from Euphoria who gave her voice to Carol’s character. You would find it both soothing and adventurous. There are other character lines that make the show intriguing.

F is for Family

If you have been feeling nostalgic lately, you need to watch this animated sitcom set in the 70s. Frank Murphy works at an airline and lives with his family including his wife and 3 kids.

Every individual has their peculiar characteristics and their lives. They have their struggles and try their best to keep up with everyone else. Just a typical house in the 70s, you know.

The show has 5 seasons and each episode is 30 minutes long. So, you can have bite-sized enjoyment or just binge-watch it in one go. You would love the themes of parenthood, generational trauma, and regular household struggles.

Also read: The intimacy drought among men.

The Glory

Starring the well-known Korean artist Song Hye Kyo, the Glory is about a school girl who was not only bullied but brutally failed by the system. She lives her life determined that one day she will take revenge on her bully.

The story, performances, and characters are extremely fulfilling. Though the story is dark it tells an exemplary tale of resilience, emotions, and disparity among social classes.

The Glory is one of the few Korean shows that received appreciation from international audiences before The Squid Games. The credit goes to its compelling storytelling and true portrayal of such a sensitive topic.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

As the name suggests the drama revolves around two individuals. One of them is an anti-social children’s book writer and the other one works in a psych ward.

The show deals with mental health issues and portrays it with beautiful cinematography. Healing and Personal growth become the main themes later in the season.

Anyone watching this K-drama from a different culture would love the lens through which issues like trauma, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder have been showing in the series.

 My Liberation Notes

If you also watch shows to get out of your regular everyday life, you are going to love The Liberation Notes. And if you have siblings you are going to relate to this show a little too much.

The show weaves a beautiful tapestry of three siblings who have their unique attributes but one goal. And that is to run away from their mundane, and boring life.

Just like F is for Family, the drama deals with themes of family dynamics as well as personal growth. It is a slow-burn show so if you want to relax and cure brain rot, you are going to love this show.

All the Bright Places

Two different teenagers dealing with their mental struggles come together because of a school project. All the Bright Places is about hope, healing, understanding, and empathy.

Though it can come under the teen romantic drama genre you are going to love the atmosphere of this movie. The journey of changing each other’s lives with each other’s help and full of love can be fulfilling to watch this weekend.

If the casting helps you in making the decision whether to watch the show or not. It stars Justice Smith and Elle Fanning, so you can be ready for some stellar performances.

Luckiest Girl Alive

Luckiest Girl Alive is the movie adaptation of the book by the same name and stars Milas Kunis in the lead. The actress showed her acting chops as Ani Fanelli, who is a successful writer but carries the burden of her past.

The movie could be a bit intense and uncomfortable for some people. But it shows the mental gymnastics and influence of abuse on a person throughout the years.

Milas Kunis comes across as a strong-willed and sharp-mouthed character. Since the story revolves around her, it can be empathetic and eye-opening to watch.

Bojack Horseman

Anyone who loves to watch animated sitcoms has watched Bojack Horseman. But people who are fans of the show do not watch it once. With its storyline, sharp dialogues, and character arcs, you are bound to rewatch the show once again.

Most people observe several themes, hidden references, and empathetic understanding of some of the most talked about mental health issues in society.

If you have yet not watched the show, go ahead and binge-watch it. Don’t forget to let us know which character you find most relatable.

Also read: How to overcome generational trauma?

Conclusion

Each show listed above has been personally watched and thus been recommended. Please watch whichever you like and give your opinion about them.

Are there any other shows/ movies that left a mark on you? Please tell us about them.