There are some movies that are reserved for specific seasons, and it differs from person to person. Spring is all about new possibilities that are seen in the blooming of colorful flowers, playful energy that is reinvigorated by the beaming sun making its return, and appreciating the love and kindness from friends and family as the birds burst into song in the crisp mornings. The days seem more cheerful as a newfound energy is placed in our spirits to prosper in the blessings we have been given.
Spring is often correlated to the cottagecore aesthetic—an aesthetic that revolves around nature, animals and simple living. Because of its correlation to nature, it only makes sense that films depicting the countryside showing off landscapes of green grass, wildflowers, vivid color, blossoming friendships and wistful romance are the go-to when settling into spring. I composed a list of movies to watch that dwell in this aesthetic, and bring spring into your home.
“Little Women” (2019) is famously adapted from Jane Austin’s novel about four sisters navigating their way through life together. Although there are two older adaptations of this story, Greta Gerwig’s colorful direction creates space for the sisters’ beaming personalities to shine through the camera. The sisterhood depicted is cheerfully infectious because of the genuine chemistry between the actors, making the upbeat scenes extra cheerful, and the sadder scenes more heartfelt. The cinematography showcases the intimacy of domestic life, while drawing it back to reveal the greenery sprinkled throughout the film as well as the absence of it. Green is often used to symbolize growth and renewal, paralleling the women’s growth individually and relationally. Above all, the film is painted in warm-tones evoking nostalgia and joy. The story perfectly captures the blossoming of woman-hood through a coming-of-age format that is perfect for spring.
“The Sound of Music” (1965) stars the vocal legend, Julie Andrews playing Maria, and is based on a true story of the Von Trapp Family singers. Taking place after World War II, Maria becomes a governess to a single father with seven children. She brings love and life back into their saddened home using music to revive their spirits. Between the electrifying soundtrack and the fields of wildflowers, this film balances heavy themes while emphasizing hope and freedom. This sense of hope radiates through the screen through Andrews’s blissful performance and the children’s awakened joy.
“The Secret World of Arrietty” (2010) is a Studio Ghibli film that is admittedly not the best from their discography, but still worth the watch, especially for spring. Arrietty is a tiny teenager that lives with her family in a normal-sized house with human hosts. The tiny family resides in a little cottage, using human scraps to survive. The main character forms a friendship with a human girl, putting the family at risk for being discovered by the humans. This film emboldens the spring aesthetic as Arrietty sneaks through wooden floorboards to escape into the greenery-filled world outside. The animation is stunningly nature-esc, while the wistful story of new beginnings is invigorating and adventurous.
“Minari” (2020) is a Korean drama and comedy that centers around a family’s move from California to Arkansas and their simple life as farmers. It is led with enduring performances by Steven Yeun and Han Ye-Ri, and filled with beautiful landscapes and impactful themes. Recontextualizing the “American Dream,” Director Lee Isaac Chung’s childhood memories with immigrant parents influenced many parts of the film, tackling the struggles of making a living versus following your dreams. This film depicts emotions in a raw and vulnerable light with the lining of family love and prosperous hope shining through. Between the rural lifestyle matched with sprouting dreams, this film is perfect for the season of change.
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005) is another Jane Austen novel adapted to the screen. This version of the film has grown popular in recent years with the depiction of yearning and longful love. This romance slowly grows on the screen with little details that change perspective and meaning between the two characters, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The two see each other’s worst and butt heads most of the time in the beginning, but their initial read on each other is changed through whispers of other characters, and quiet moments with one another that change everything about their perceptions. Watching the two leads’ romance is like watching a flower grow. Not only is it rewarding through its resulting beauty, but it’s rewarding through watching the development of the relationship blossom over time. This story also depicts the social life the characters live in that mirrors spring’s social season. While some may argue that this film is more of an autumn film, I think “Pride and Prejudice” aligns with both seasons well.
“Matilda” (1996) is the definition of a spring film. It is filled with amusing fun, nostalgic joy and magic. Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, this film follows Matilda, a gifted girl with amazing intelligence and the power to move things, being raised by two vulgar parents. When finally agreeing to let Matilda go to school, she befriends a teacher, Miss Honey, who helps Matilda stand up against her abusive parents and wicked principal. It is a rare children’s film that is wrapped with oddity, charm and powerful lessons that highlight the importance of finding the magic within yourself. It is perfect with spring as the film is packed with adventurous fun, and is decorated with many cottagecore elements such as; cottages, gardens and inspiring goodness.
“Wicked” (2024) took the world by storm through its cinematic release in November, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical, and is set as a prequel of the Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz.” The story is about the loathing to loving friendship between Elphaba, the “wicked witch,” and Glinda, the “good witch.” The color grade might not do justice to the vibrant colors in the film, but the pink and green duo is perfect for springtime. This heartwarming movie will leave you with tears of joy and sorrow, while dancing and singing every step of the way. The emotion packed in this film is perfectly intertwined with witty humor accompanied by stunning visuals. Ariana and Cynthia’s chemistry is as mesmerizing as the iconic musical numbers performed in this film. “Wicked” is a portrait of self-love, inner child healing and empowerment. The film’s main title track, “Defying Gravity” echoes the sentiment of spring’s revival across the Earth.
