This writer’s favourite film of all time, ‘Dead Poets Society’ featuring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke is the perfect ‘dark academia’ film to put you in the mood for long nights in the Phillip Robinson. Expounding on the importance of arts education, poetry, and rebelling against the system - this film is perfect for crying your heart out and envying the scenery at Welton.
I'm pairing this with another classic—Little Women. Whatever version you choose, this film has snowy landscapes, Christmas joy, and devastating stories of love and success. If you are interested in the historical position of women or simply in Saoirse Ronan, the 2019 adaptation of this Louisa May Alcott novel is perfect for you.
For the nostalgia factor, if you miss being snuggled up at home rather than knee-deep in mid-modules, try ‘Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.’ Another classic adaptation, the white winter is broken by the hope and courage of four young siblings who are prophesied to rule Narnia. This film has the perfect amount of heart-warming family relationships and fantasy adventures. Plus, it has James McAvoy.
The final film on this list is technically a Christmas film, although not in the ‘The Holiday’ kind of way. In ‘The Holdovers’ a young boy gets left at boarding school over Christmas with a teacher he hates, and they soon learn to understand each other - forming a father-son-like bond. Once again if you are a fan of campus settings and familial relationships, this film is for you. Whilst it is set over Christmas, the focus is on their relationship and not on the festive season. It is cold and bleak but eventually, the ice breaks and the film winds up heart-warmingly beautiful - a necessity in these frosty winter months. If the Christmas aspect puts you off, maybe save this one for last! In the meantime, give ‘Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying’ by Labi Siffre a listen to be transported into an elite winter mood.
