I apologize profusely to Anonymous for the lateness of this suggestion. I have been terrible sick lately, but here it is!

So Anonymous asked, “Do you know any movies for people feeling a bit disheartened about their future, who maybe need a story about people going out into the world and doing awesome things, just because they can, and it’s inspiring and charming and makes you feel better?”

There are SO many movies I could offer to lift your spirits and likewise many about going out into the world and doing things. One that really came to mind when I first read your request was It’s Kind of a Funny Story, based on the book of the same name by Ned Vizzini. Great read, by the way.

Now, this film is about a teenager, Craig, who’s been depressed for sometime and isn’t exactly sure why. All the pressure put on him to make a good future for himself is too much, and after an attempted suicide, he checks himself into a hospital, where he spends a week in the psych ward among others that help him realize he isn’t as crazy as he thinks. It’s a film I really wish I had when I was in 8th grade going to College Day at school and not knowing what I wanted to do or what I should do with my life.

With Zach Galifiankis playing a fellow patient, comedy is sure to ensue. However, his performance in this film is particularly endearing. His humor is very unlike his stand-up or Hangover comedy and is instead very sincere, offering unexpected life lessons. This is perhaps my favorite role he’s done, as he really expresses an inner struggle that really sobers your idea of him as simply a comedian.

Keir Gilchrist’s plays Craig, or “Cool Craig,” as he is sometimes referred to. The journey this kid goes on is so incredibly relatable to just about any teenager who is being pressured to consider their future. During his week, he rediscovers a gift for drawing that adds a great art direction for the rest of the film and helps him come to terms with doing things he loves, rather than what is generally expected of every teenager.

The film is everything Anonymous is asking for. It’s heartwarming, charming, and inspiring about the future. And it makes one happy, or me at least. It is my go-to movie when I’m feeling uneasy about life after college or just generally down. That and Wristcutters: A Love Story.

Wristcutters is about a guy who’s recently committed suicide and has landed in a kind of purgatory where all suicide victims go (which is just like real life, only a little bit grayer). After hearing that his girlfriend has also killed herself, he and his new Russian friend go on a great road trip (because what else do they have to do) and meet a girl who is looking for the People in Charge because she didn’t really kill herself. Despite the name, the film really is heartwarming. On his journey, the main character rediscovers reasons to live and what is really important in life, love. Also, it stars Tom Waits and Will Arnett; Nick Offerman also makes an appearance.

If these two movies don’t lift your spirits, then I don’t deserve to give movie suggestions!

Anybody else curious about a film suggestion? Check out my ask.