Look, sometimes we just can’t get away. It sucks but sometimes it happens. Whether it’s because we’re saving, we don’t have time off work, we’re injured, or a global pandemic, it’s not always possible to satisfy that wanderlust in person.
That’s where the magical world of film comes to the rescue. Films, particularly films set in far off places are pure escapism. And I think we could all do with a bit of that from time to time.
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
In the Ben Stiller version, we follow Walter, a daydreamer, who’s worked for Life Magazine in the negative assets department for years. An abrupt takeover, a missing negative and a deadline mean that Walter has to stop daydreaming and have his adventures for real.
The result? Stunning scenes in Greenland, Iceland and Afghanistan, with an amazing soundtrack to match. It’ll have you seeking out impromptu adventure in no time.
- The Motorcycle Diaries
This film is based on the early life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara as he travels around South America with his friend Alberto Granado and one untrustworthy, beaten-up motorcycle. On the way they meet a variety of different people and get themselves into trouble pretty much everywhere they go.
The film culminates at a Peruvian leper colony, where Ernesto, a medical student at the time, and Alberto, a biochemist, had been planning to help and visit. But their experiences there and along the way transforms the trajectory of both their lives for good, and the rest is history…
For some incredible South American landscapes, the kindness of strangers, and the camaraderie of a long haul road trip, this is the one.
- The Darjeeling Limited
This beautifully shot Wes Anderson film follows three very different brothers as they embark on a journey across India, following the death of their father. They all have their issues and they all cope with them in very different ways, but ultimately along this journey they endeavour to enjoy their time together.
Predominantly set on a sleeper train, you get to see a lot of the vibrancy and culture that India has to offer, with some beautiful heartwarming moments along the way – with the typical Wes Anderson humour…
- Chef
Now, if you love great food, great big soundtracks that make you want to dance and a road trip across America, then this is a must watch.
The story centres around an acclaimed chef who finds his world turned upside down by a bad review and a viral video. On a quest to regain his creativity and actually be able to cook the food that he wants to, he reconnects with his son and travels across the southern US in his cubano truck. Delicious.
If you like cubanos, great music and road trips (and who doesn’t, really) this is the film for you.
- Lost in Translation
Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, and dreamy scenes of Tokyo, predominantly, at night. What more do you want? The story brings together strangers at different points in their lives who are both questioning the decisions that have brought them to this point. Together, and by experiencing the city, they help each other work through their issues.
If you’re wanting to get back to meeting interesting new people in exotic locations, this is the film for you.
- Wild
Ah yes, the film and book that sparked a renaissance of women on long haul trails. You know the one – Reese Witherspoon flings a hiking boot off a cliff. The film that follows the real life story of Cheryl Strayed flicks back and forth through time, showing you how she ended up hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with next to no experience (not something I’d recommend…).
Watch for amazing panoramic shots through the Sierra Nevada, and end up wondering how much training you’d have to do to experience such a freeing adventure in nature.
- In Bruges
Okay, not your typical “travel film”, but I couldn’t not include this hilariously dark film, set in the Belgian city. Two Irish hitmen have been told by their boss to lie low in the city and await further instructions. One embraces this unexpected time off in a foreign city, the other copes – well let’s just say – less well…
If you like dark comedies with great dialogue, mishaps and action, then this is going to be the film for you.
- Midnight in Paris
There’s so many films that are set in Paris, but this time travelling, whimsical adventure manages to capture the old-worldliness of the French capital. The film is stacked with stars, including Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Tom Hiddleston, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates – some as some surprising historical figures.
If you’re looking for some literary-based escapism in the dreamy streets of Paris, this should definitely be on your list.
- Hunt For The Wilderpeople
Right, I’m going to say it now – I love Taika Waititi – so it’s no wonder Hunt For The Wilderpeople is on the list. This film is amazing and heartwarming and funny, but the vast majority of the film takes place in the bush of New Zealand. Here the two protagonists are trying to survive on the run, despite one of them being a teenage boy who’s obsessed with being a gangster.
If you’re feeling like running off and living off grid, this is probably the film for you.
So there’s my nine films to watch when you can’t travel anywhere, what’s on your list? Share in the comments below!
