We’re all familiar with that Instagram page that only posts stills of pure relaxation, fragments of peace and calm, those rare situations where we see life unfold slowly before our eyes. It’s usually summer, or perhaps just a blissful vacation when we all stop and finally have time on our side: we look around, and notice things that the daily rush prevents us from truly seeing, with our running from one commitment to the next, and the neglect with which we attend to ourselves and what is right in front of us, because we put ourselves second to what we deem “urgent” at the moment.

It’s so beautiful when life is slow, when boredom covers us like a cool sheet, the kind we use in the summer even when it’s hot, but we feel the need to feel protected. Even more beautiful is indulging in that rare feeling of “lassitude“, when our bodies alternate between moments of sleepiness and peaks of unimaginable energy because they are finally so happy to be in the here and now.

What to do in those holy moments of doing nothing, when you have so many possibilities on the horizon that you don’t know what to choose? What to watch to not interfere in any way with the rhythm of a conquered, finite, and ephemeral peace?

Action-Packed

The “Indiana Jones” Saga 

The saga begins with “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, where Indiana Jones tries to prevent the Nazis from finding the Ark of the Covenant, a biblical relic of immense power. In the second film, “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”, Jones finds himself in India, where he must retrieve a stolen sacred stone and free children enslaved by an evil cult. The series continues with “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, where Indiana and his father embark on a quest for the Holy Grail. The sequel, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, introduces a Cold War setting, with Indiana becoming involved in the search for a mysterious crystal skull. Finally, in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”, the protagonist faces one last adventure, this time tied to the mysteries of time.

A lot of adventure, a lot of history, and a lot of mysticism. Five movies to watch on those summer evenings when you return from the beach, your body soft as jelly, yet full of life.

“Fresh”

Mimi Cave’s thriller, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, is just what you need to wake up and activate after long, pleasantly empty summer days. The story follows Noa, a young woman tired of online dating. When she meets Steve, a charming surgeon, they seem to establish a genuine connection. However, during a weekend getaway, Noa discovers a dark and unsettling side of Steve, leading her into a lethally surreal situation.

“Prometheus”

What better than some good sci-fi to fill scorching afternoons when it’s too hot to stay outside and you snack on minerals? “Prometheus”, directed by Ridley Scott, is a sort of prequel to the “Alien” saga, exploring the origins of the alien race and the spaceship seen in the first film of the series. In this chapter, a group of scientists and explorers aboard the spaceship Prometheus seek answers to fundamental questions about humanity’s origins. When the group discovers a star map leading them to a distant planet, they hope to find humanity’s creators, known as “Engineers”, only to realize the answers they seek are far more dangerous than they imagined. A lethal force begins to wipe out the crew. 

“What We Do in the Shadows”

Want to joke around a bit because life is especially beautiful when it’s slow? This comedy gem makes you laugh out loud while deeply exploring the everyday life of a group of clumsy vampires. In the form of a mockumentary, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement portray the daily lives of four immortal roommates dealing with common situations like household chores and planning nights out, but with a supernatural twist. There’s Viago, the romantic dandy; Vladislav, the tormented seducer; Deacon, the rebellious 183-year-old; and Petyr, an ancient vampire resembling Nosferatu.

It’s not just laughs: the film is a subtle satire on cohabitation, friendship, and the attempt to integrate into a society that doesn’t understand you.

Extra Softness

“Cha Cha Real Smooth”

To not ruin the inner peace achieved with well-deserved vacations, a romantic comedy offering a fresh and authentic take on the transition to adulthood. The film, directed and starred by Cooper Raiff, tells the story of Andrew, a recent graduate trying to figure out what to do with his life. Returning to live with his parents, Andrew finds work as an entertainer at local bar mitzvah parties, where his mission is to entertain the attendees. During one of these parties, Andrew meets Domino (Dakota Johnson), a young single mother, and her autistic daughter Lola. The connection between Andrew and Domino develops genuinely but complicatedly, exploring the contrast between Andrew’s carefree youth and Domino’s adult responsibilities. It’s a gentle story that calmly tackles big themes like personal growth, the search for identity, and the desire for belonging.

“Maurice”

A touching and courageous story about love and identity is the perfect pastime for not straining when “strain” is a banned word. This 1987 film, directed by James Ivory and based on E.M. Forster’s novel of the same name, set in Edwardian England, tells the story of Maurice Hall, a young man who discovers and accepts his homosexuality in an era when it was illegal and highly stigmatized. We see Maurice grow and eventually face a complex relationship with his college companion Clive Durham. Between social expectations and authenticity, will Maurice and Clive take different paths?

“I Am Love”

An elegant and fascinating drama that envelops you when you need it most with its visual and narrative beauty. Luca Guadagnino‘s film tells the story of Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton), a Russian woman who marries a member of a wealthy Milanese industrial family. Set in the Italian high society, the film is, of course, about love, but also about the value of identity and tradition. Emma lives a predictably boring life until she meets Antonio, a young and charming chef. Their relationship becomes a passionate and forbidden escape that disrupts the order of her life and her family. 

“Perfect Days”

The beauty of everyday life, in its routine and simplicity, is a value we see and appreciate only when we stop. This film says it loud and clear: perfect for those who love stories that explore life with slowness and introspection, offering a unique perspective on the art of living in the present.

We get to know the daily life of Hirayama, a middle-aged man who works as a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Despite his seemingly monotonous routine, we see how Hirayama finds joy and serenity in the little things: music, reading, and observing the world around him. An ode to the beauty of ordinary moments and the possibility of finding deep inner satisfaction even in a simple existence. 

Thoughtless but Thoughtful

“A Faithful Man”

This film, written and directed by and starring Louis Garrel, tells a complex and fascinating love story, ironic and refined. The plot revolves around an evolving love triangle between Abel, Marianne, and Eve. At the start, Marianne leaves Abel to marry Paul, his best friend. Years later, after Paul’s death, Abel and Marianne reunite, but the dynamics between them are complicated by the intrusive yet irresistible presence of Eve, Paul’s younger sister, who has always had a crush on Abel.

If there’s one thing the French do exceptionally well, besides baguettes and the art of courtship, it’s light comedies.

“Monday”

Another romantic story to (not) make us think. “Monday” is a romantic drama directed by Argyris Papadimitropoulos, taking us to the dynamic and warm Athens. It tells the story of Mickey and Chloe, two thirty-something Americans who meet during a sultry summer night. After a wild night out, they find themselves pulled into an impulsive and passionate love story, deciding to stay together for the weekend. And the rest is history.

“Kate & Leopold”

With this romantic comedy, we dive into a modern fairy tale if we’re tired of diving into the pool. A combination of love, time travel, and magic tells the story of Kate McKay, a modern career woman, and Leopold, a charming 19th-century nobleman. One day, Leopold is accidentally transported to the present by Stuart, Kate’s ex-boyfriend, who is a scientist, but, accustomed to past manners and customs, he faces the hectic modern world and the independent and determined Kate.

The perfect film for those who love simple, romantic, and, in every sense, fantastic stories.

“Four Weddings and a Funeral”

A classic, iconic cult, to be seen at least once (or ten times) in a lifetime. This brilliant and touching romantic comedy, starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell, follows the events of a group of quirky friends through a period full of social engagements: four weddings and even a funeral. An exploration of love and friendship, tackled with humor and delicacy, a perfect mix of laughs, sentimentality, and reflections on life, with a memorable soundtrack. For a love story that warms the heart and makes you laugh until it hurts, this film is a must!