Top 10 Social Distancing Movies
Script written by Nick Spake
#10: “Home Alone” (1990)
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Who says that a social distancing movie can’t also be a feel-good movie? For anyone feeling down in the dumps, this comedy classic is sure to lift your spirits, whether it’s Christmas or not. There isn’t a 90s kid who hasn’t dreamed of being Kevin McCallister, a young lad who’s accidentally left home alone during the holidays. Although everyone views him as completely helpless, Kevin proves to be a natural survivalist, even taking on two bumbling burglars. Slapstick aside, “Home Alone” is an unexpectedly warm and relatable portrait of family. It isn’t until Kevin’s family disappears that he comes to truly appreciate what he had. Sometimes space puts things into perspective, which makes it all the more gratifying when you’re reunited with your loved ones.
#9: “Into the Wild” (2007)
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This biographical drama centers on Chris McCandless, aka Alexander Supertramp. Played by Emile Hirsch in a fiercely dedicated performance, McCandless seemingly had the whole world in the palm of his hand. He gave it all up to explore the world, however, stripping his lifestyle down to the bare minimum. McCandless comes across a variety of colorful characters during his travels and is given numerous opportunities to settle down, but just keeps moving until he inevitably reaches his final destination. Some may see McCandless as an inspiring figure who had the adventure of a lifetime. Others may view his story as a cautionary tale about the price of isolation. Ultimately, this is a film about the beauty and cruelty of nature, as well as human nature.
#8: “The Revenant” (2015)
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As gorgeously shot and crafted as “The Revenant” is, it’s hard to think of a more brutal story about survival. Even if you haven’t seen the film, chances are you’ve at least heard about the scene where a bear attacks Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio in an Oscar-winning performance. That’s only the beginning, as Glass treks across a harsh, freezing landscape, taking extreme measures on the road to salvation. Needless to say, Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s film isn’t exactly an easy watch. After seeing everything Glass had to endure, though, you’ll be left with the confidence boost needed to tackle whatever the world throws at you. In what’s practically a one-man show, DiCaprio carries the movie’s weight on his shoulders and it’s a heavy load.
#7: “The Martian” (2015)
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When it comes to movies about solitude, you can’t get more secluded than outer space. Set in the year 2035, “The Martian” stars Matt Damon as Mark Watney, an astronaut who’s mistakenly left behind on Mars. As the planet’s sole inhabitant, Watney must rely on his wits and instincts while awaiting rescue. Although it’s science fiction, the film comes off as surprisingly realistic. This isn’t just due to the story’s scientific accuracy, but because our protagonist is so identifiable. Despite his constant loneliness and the fear that he might not make it back to Earth, Watney manages to maintain a sense of humor. It goes to show that during the most trialing times, a laugh goes a long way.
#6: “The Lighthouse” (2019)
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Few films feed into the audience’s paranoia like “The Lighthouse,” which will make anybody second guess sharing a small space with another human being. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe dominate the screen together as two lighthouse keepers who are confined to a distant island. The setting is bleak, the living conditions are minimal, and booze is the only form of pleasure… well, that and mermaids. The anxiety is only emphasized by the black and white cinematography, as well as the claustrophobic aspect ratio. All the while, our characters grow increasingly suspicious of each other. It’s not a matter of if, but when one of these guys will completely crack. Whoever the last man standing is, he’ll have nothing to cling to but his own insanity.
#5: “Solaris” (1972)
“Solaris” came out when most people associated sci-fi with strange worlds and extravagant set pieces, which would only grow more prevalent with the release of “Star Wars” a few years later. Andrei Tarkovsky’s film finds the simplicity in interstellar travel, although the real journey is into the human psyche. Even if you removed the space station setting, “Solaris” would still be a thought-provoking story about a psychologist coping with loss. Upon leaving Earth, Kris Kelvin reconnects with his late wife in ways he never thought possible. Even when she’s seemingly right in front of him, however, Kelvin is truly just alone with his memories. As pleasant as a memory may be, it can only keep someone company for so long.
#4: “A Quiet Place” (2018)
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“A Quiet Place” speaks volumes about family and the human condition, despite not having much dialogue. The film possesses one of the most ingenious premises in the post-apocalyptic genre, following a family forced into isolation when noise-sensitive aliens invade Earth. A simple trip to the grocery store suddenly becomes a life-threatening mission. Adding to the sense of desperation, the store has been mostly stripped of its inventory - although the chip aisle is fully stocked. The characters are required to walk on eggshells at all times with even the tiniest creak or crack spelling doom. Dread looms over every shot, but it’s the little moments shared between the characters that get us through the ordeal. During tense times, the subtlest actions can have the greatest impact.
#3: “28 Days Later” (2002)
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Danny Boyle set a new gold standard for zombie apocalypse movies with this breakout hit. Boyle’s blunt direction and Anthony Dod Mantle’s gritty cinematography give “28 Days Later” an eerie realism rarely found in zombie movies. When Jim steps out into an abandoned London, we experience both a sense of gravitas and a sense of emptiness, signifying that the end of days has already come and gone. For all the blood and screams, the film also has a lot of silent, atmospheric, and even hopeful scenes that bring out the story’s raw humanity. As our characters develop into a family unit, it’s easy to forget about their dire circumstances. Of course, that makes it all the more alarming when danger rears its infected head.
#2: “Cast Away” (2000)
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Coming out the same year as the “Survivor” reality show, “Cast Away” hit at a time when audiences were fascinated by the concept of being stranded on a deserted island. The film belongs to Tom Hanks’ Chuck Noland, a FedEx worker who takes refuge on a remote island after his plane crashes in the ocean. With next to no resources, Chuck must improvise his own tools, shelter, and even a companion in the form of a volleyball. The only things that keep the fire in Chuck burning are the thoughts that he’ll see his girlfriend again and will one day deliver an unopened mystery package. The film is a testament to what a phenomenal actor Hanks is, delivering so much even when given so little.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Gravity” (2013)
“Lost in Translation” (2003)
“Bug” (2006)
“All Is Lost” (2013)
“Life of Pi” (2012)
#1: “Night of the Living Dead” (1968)
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This game-changer from George A. Romero revolves around a group of mostly strangers who seek sanctuary in a house during a zombie outbreak. Upon release, many critics wrote off “Night of the Living Dead” as a senseless gorefest. Looking back, people not only came to regard it as a masterful work of horror, but something much deeper. While the racial themes aren’t directly addressed, there’s clearly tension between the African-American Ben and the caucasian Harry. When ghouls are breaking through the boarded-up windows, though, skin color doesn’t matter. All that matters is survival and Ben is one of the genre’s most resourceful protagonists. While his ending isn’t the happiest, Ben never loses his humanity, setting a levelheaded example we should all follow whenever panic erupts.
