The search for the perfect movie never ceases, but for fans of media considered coquette, these three films stand as fantastic options. Aesthetically, coquette goods integrate girlish, vintage Americana and rococo styles, but when considering media, it frequently incorporates a darker storyline beneath the shiny surface. With a bit of a troubling undertone, delivered like a cinematic masterpiece, these movies provide a delightful experience. Whether poured over or played in the background, the watcher can appreciate them intensely.
- “I Believe in Unicorns” (2014)
“I Believe in Unicorns” follows a 16-year-old girl named Davina, played by Natalia Dyer, as she takes a stunning road trip throughout the United States accompanied by a handsome older man. She runs from her dreary home, where she spent time caring for her disabled single mother, attended school with her one close friend and lived in her small childhood room. All this occurs until she meets Sterling, her figurative unicorn, played by Peter Vack, who takes her mind by storm.
The film studies potentially triggering topics in an intensely cinematic way. Dream-like scenes fade in and out, featuring fantastical animals and interactions reminiscent of a fairytale. This, combined with the real, gritty views of her life, creates an impossible juxtaposition only consolidated by the golden rays of the sun as she sails down empty roads. The film captures incredible feelings, in both a troubling and captivating way.
“‘I Believe in Unicorns’ is like this total rollercoaster of emotions, you know? It’s got that indie vibe that’s kind of all over the place but in a cool way. Natalia Dyer totally nails it as Davina, like, you feel all the teenage feels through her. But heads up, it’s not just all cute stuff – there are some heavy themes thrown in there too, so brace yourself. If you’re into quirky coming-of-age flicks and don’t mind a bit of drama, it’s worth checking out. Just be ready for a wild ride,” magnet sophomore Allore Walters said.
The Czechoslovakian film “Valerie and Her Week of Wonders” follows teenage Valerie, played by Jaroslava Schallerová, as she comes of age in an odd, horrific, fairytale world. The girl lives with her grandmother in this out-of-the-ordinary setting, and as she begins to approach adulthood, she puts on a magical pair of earrings. Now, she must sort reality from fiction, haunted by a vampiric priest. The film stands superior against others of the time for the way it utilizes lighting, background and wardrobe to create a dream-like atmosphere. As the viewer sits in front of their screen, it slowly sucks them into a suspense-filled fairytale world. The eager watcher transforms into Valerie, a gauzy ball of unease.
“The cinematography was amazing. I could feel the horror in the air as the movie took me into its story. I felt it really encapsulated the beauty and horror of the reality of womanhood. The ending was unexpected for me as well,” sophomore Margaret Hollister said.
- “Wonderwall” (1968)
This 1960s film, which former Beatle George Harrison created the soundtrack for, follows the life of a lonely professor whose life explodes in a blast of color when a young woman, Penny Lane, played by Jane Birkin, moves in next door. He slowly approaches madness as his obsession with the girl grows. Her hippie-like lifestyle charms him immensely and from his unsuspecting apartment, he stares through a crack in his wall at the allurement of youth.
The movie tells its story through a psychedelic use of color and sound, transporting the watcher between the worlds of the professor and the young woman. These strikingly different worlds maintain a strong separation throughout the whole of the film. From the colorless and cerebral home of the professor to the flower-studded fantasy of Penny, interaction remains largely in the mind of the older man.
Movies follow the stories that their watchers need. Occasionally, the watcher needs a reason to cry, a revolutionary thought on society or simply a dazzling viewing experience. In each of these subjects, this list of media excels. Viewers will enjoy these films to the fullest with a bow in their hair and a bowl of ice cream in their lap.
