It’s that time during every senior college student’s journey when they are confronted with the unavoidable question: “So what are you going to do after graduation?” Well, that is the golden question. Our lives are just starting, yet the uncertainty surrounding it can be overwhelming. To cope with this– and avoid answering the question– I compiled a list of 8 movies that represent those exact feelings to hopefully bring you all some reassurance that we don’t have to figure out our lives quite yet, and that’s perfectly ok.
Frances Ha (2012)
Dir. Noah Baumbach
My favorite movie on this list, “Frances Ha” follows the quirky Frances as she tries to live in New York City with no real place to live, no real job, and all the strange people that come along with that. “Frances Ha” teaches viewers that it’s ok to not know, and that uncertainty can be fun if you make it.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Dir. Sofia Coppola
Surrounded by the beautiful setting of Japan, “Lost in Translation” explores loneliness, isolation, and the longing for connection through the characters of Charlotte (portrayed by Scarlett Johansson) and Bob (portrayed by Bill Murray). This movie features some excellent performances and outstanding directing. “Lost in Translation” teaches viewers to find the beauty in the quiet around them.
The Graduate (1967)
Dir. Mike Nichols
The go-to movie after college graduation and the most expected movie on this list, “The Graduate” follows Benjamin (portrayed by Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who worries about his future. His worries are flipped on his head as he begins a love triangle with an older family friend and her daughter. Will this happen to any of us after we graduate? Who’s to say.
Shiva Baby (2020)
Dir. Emma Seligman
If you are feeling a sense of anxiety in your life right now, just know Danielle is as well. “Shiva Baby” is a movie of ultimate uncertainty in your future, present, and past. Viewers are dropped into Danielle’s (portrayed by Rachel Sennot) as she attends a shiva with her crazy family, better-than-her ex-girlfriend, and her sugar daddy… and his wife and baby. If you want to experience other people’s anxiety, this movie is for you.
Tiny Furniture (2010)
Dir. Lena Dunham
In Lena Dunham’s masterful prequel to “Girls,” “Tiny Furniture” is a semi-autobiographical account of Dunham’s young life as her character Aura experiences life after college when the only place one can afford to live is back with their parents. Viewers watch as Aura encounters people of her past, meets new strange men, and bonds with her mother and sister, all while trying to be an “adult” (whatever that word means).
Garden State (2004)
Dir. Zach Braff
After coming home for the funeral of his mother, Andrew (portrayed by Zach Braff) decides to stop taking his antidepressants and experience life undisputed. While doing so, he meets Sam (portrayed by Natalie Portman) and begins to open up, all living with his father and confronting his emotions. “Garden State” is a wonderful story of love, authenticity, and the little things that can make life beautiful.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Dir. Richard Linklater
If you’re a romantic, “Before Sunrise” might be your best pick on this list. Linklater’s “Before Sunrise” focuses on the conversations and little moments between Celine (portrayed by Julie Delpy) and Jesse (portrayed by Ethan Hawke) as they explore Viena after only meeting each other the same day on the train. “Before Sunrise” gives lost viewers hope that love can maybe come from the most unexpected of places.
Kicking & Screaming (1995)
Dir. Noah Baumbach
Its incredibly pretentious masculine writing aside, “Kicking & Screaming” is a great addition to the no-plot genre. ‘Kicking & Screaming” highlights the struggle of not wanting to move on into the real world. If anything, this film is a perfect example of what not to do after graduation.
