Seasonal Cinema
For the record, Summer is my favorite season. Skin and heat. Glowing tans induced from balcony seating shared in the late afternoons. Day parties because we outside. Everything about summer is a treat. Warm and sweet. I love baked goods. It’s my favorite thing.
But I also think it’s safe to say that the list of good things the colder months bring is not too shabby. The back to back heavy hitter holidays alone set the tone for this this time of year. And this time of year becomes doubly as enjoyable because these particular holidays come with a parlay… the food. Yes family and cheer and lights and football. But the menu of the season is arguably unmatched and although a bit repetitive, delish.
This honorable mention though is for the underdog. The unsung hero of winter. Those Fall and Winter shows. Those movies and series that have to meet the low temperature prerequisite before you hit play. They deserve mention too. Given that the cooler months cause us all to spend more time indoors, it’s a significant cold weather trait that stands on it’s own and needs to be acknowledged. The fact that it’s cold outside while cozy in here amplifies the comfy, and a dark and moody show is icing on the cake. Cuddle weather. Gotta have the cuffing season box office hits to really set it off and make sure your potential partner is legit. Because… Harry Potter?? What house do you belong to??
There are some feature films that undeniably fall into this category. This particular genre of cinema that perfectly closes out the year is my favorite and there are some characteristics that just make them feel right in this extra special category:
The winter season is when it originally aired so the time of year is associated by default.
The story is told in a snowy setting.
Theres a darkness about the show that gives “I need to be up under someone or something to watch this”.
It blends well with holiday movies so the transition back and forth between the genre’s isn’t weird.
At some point, unbeknownst to you, you decided this show will be watched only during the Winter because it feels right.
Personal examples:
Game of Thrones (because Winter is coming)
Euphoria (Reason #5)
Ozark (Reason #5)
His Dark Materials (Reason #1)
Harry Potter (because duh)
Twilight (Reason #2)
It’s like that distinct energy that repeatedly surrounds you when you hear an album; and that album takes you back to a time and place. The same time and place each time you listen. Shows are as easily marked. The rewatching experience always makes you feel that same kind of good.
It’s comfortable.
The familiarity of a show that has been dedicated to the colder months create a comfort that makes up for the sometimes somber and frigid undertone brought on from the shorter days and gloomy nights.
So tell me, what shows or movies do you have to see in this season? What’s on your list?
