5 Movies That Make Deep Personal Struggles Totally Entertaining and Uplifting

by

In a fresh take on superhero movies, the film titled New Avengers* revolves around a team of heroes dedicated to safeguarding New York City. While it tackles heavy and somber themes, it offers an innovative perspective by using mental health struggles as a metaphor. This approach enables viewers to empathize with the characters’ difficulties without compromising the thrill of watching powerful characters engage in epic battles on screen. Similar films adopt this strategy, exploring their characters’ hardships without turning grim or violent. The following five movies share this trait, transforming serious issues into engaging, heartfelt narratives, much like Marvel did with Thunderbolts.

*Note: “New Avengers” is a fictional title and not the actual name of any existing Marvel comic book or film.

1) Evil Dead  (2013)

This 2013 film remake of a cult classic is renowned for its powerful portrayal of addiction. Director Fede Álvarez skillfully employs addiction as a narrative tool, shedding light on the hardships faced by those battling it. The story unfolds when Mia (Jane Levy) asks her brother and companions to accompany her to a secluded cabin in the woods, aiming to overcome heroin withdrawal forever. However, she is subsequently possessed by a demon, leading people to believe she’s merely experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Álvarez masterfully employs the symbolism of demonic possession to illustrate how addiction ravages not only the addict but also those close to them. This grisly depiction keeps viewers on tenterhooks until the very end.

2) Forrest Gump 

At first glance, Forrest Gump appears to be a tale of a man yearning to reconnect with his one true love. However, on a deeper level, the film is among the early mainstream productions that delicately explores various aspects of neurodivergence. The character of Gump, brilliantly played by Tom Hanks, displays traits associated with autism, although it’s not explicitly mentioned in the movie. Director Robert Zemeckis had the chance to make a heavy, dialogue-driven drama about a neurodiverse individual who might seem a bit melancholic, eliciting sympathy, yet indomitable. Instead, Zemeckis chose to tell a straightforward story of Gump’s quest for love. The movie subtly conveys that Gump is unique, but not in a way that evokes pity. Rather, it educates the audience about what it signifies to be different, yet intact.

RELATED: New Evil Dead Spinoff Title Revealed (And We Have Questions)

3) Turning Red

This movie sparked blushing and pearl-clutching among some viewers, while serving as a topic for discussion for others. In essence, it’s a thoughtful portrayal of adolescent struggles, embarrassment, and initial experiences with sexuality, all wrapped within a cultural context. Mei, like most 13-year-olds, is awkward, unsure, and growing up – which brings its own set of challenges. What makes this film unique is that it handles these heavy themes in an entertaining way by depicting the women in Mei’s family transforming into massive red pandas whenever they experience intense emotions. Unlike her mother, who wants to get rid of her panda form, Mei learns to embrace it, symbolizing her acceptance of her feelings, sexuality, and femininity. The movie delves into the strained relationship between Mei and her mother, a dynamic that many parents of tweens can relate to. It initiates discussions and tackles the silence surrounding the effects of puberty, particularly in Asian families.

4) The Incredibles

In an impressive manner, The Incredibles tackles various themes exceptionally well, and one of these is depicting personal identity and existential dilemmas. Originally released in 2004, this animated movie centers around the lives of retired superheroes living among us. In a society that shuns those with extraordinary abilities, Bob (also known as Mr. Incredible) has given up his heroic duties to work at a job where he barely fits, longing for the thrilling days of his past. Feeling unfulfilled and reminiscing about his former glory, Bob falls into the trap orchestrated by “Syndrome.

Struggling with his work and personal situations, Bob finds solace in a newfound passion for superheroism, exhibiting traits typical of a mid-life crisis transformation. He becomes more cheerful, splurges on expensive cars and presents, and strives to improve his fitness. However, his teenage daughter Violet grapples with her own challenges, using her inclination to seclude herself as a symbol of an adolescent’s struggle to adapt to change. Meanwhile, Dash yearns for freedom from a concealed life as a super-speedster. The Incredibles manage to balance their complex family dynamics within a film that remains engaging and enjoyable.

5) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 

Titled “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” directed by Ben Stiller, this movie transcends traditional categories to convey a tale of solitude, yearning, and, ultimately, self-acceptance. The narrative is brought to life through an extraordinary, undeniably humorous sequence of adventures featuring Stiller’s character. Walter Mitty is an average individual often marginalized in society, serving as the target for his coworkers’ jokes and pranks. However, within his mind, Mitty is an intrepid explorer, a fearless adventurer who conquers mountains, confronts sharks, and woos the woman he admires. The story unfolds when Mitty loses an essential photograph and embarks on a voyage that alters the trajectory of his life. In reality, Mitty scales mountains, wrestles sharks, and even captivates his crush, all while remaining true to himself. The film is reflective, prompting viewers to remember their own worth, especially during moments when they forget to recognize it.

All of these films are available on streaming and digital.

Read More

2025-05-13 06:51