From coming-of-age dramas to heartwarming family comedies and Oscar-winning films, here's a list of films that have pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and focused on the LGBTQ+ community over the past five years.
All these films will tell you different life stories from different angles and none of them will leave you indifferent.
With love, Simon (Love, Simon, 2018)
In the center of this story is high school student Simon. He is gay, and as soon as he admits it to himself, he tries to share his knowledge with his family and friends. In the film, he will search for ways to find his voice and muster the courage to be who he is. His mom is played by actress Jennifer Garner, so be prepared for some tears. Whatever inner battles are raging within you, this movie will help you emerge victorious from them.
Disobedience (2017)
Rachel McAdams, known from the legendary The Notebook, and Rachel Weisz from The Mummy, star in this touching film about a woman who returns to her hometown, where she was completely rejected because of her love for another woman. When he comes face-to-face with her, the story escalates and all the feelings she tried to push under the rug come flooding back.
A Fantastic Woman (Una mujer fantástica, 2017)
This fantastic film about a fantastic woman is the first Chilean film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and also the first film with a transgender actor to win this prestigious award. Daniela Vega plays Marina, a trans woman whose partner dies suddenly. Her pain and already tragic situation worsens when she realizes that her late love's family is transphobic.
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
We've gotten used to seeing queer characters in movies mostly struggle with the condemnation of their society or family and consequently with accepting themselves. This film painted the usual genre of dramatic comedy in completely different colors and presented the youthful love of two girls in a world where neither sexual orientation nor skin color defines them. The core of this story is actually the relationship between father and daughter, as well as the relationship between two talented artists. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, or musicals, this movie is sure to thrill you.
Boy Erased (2018)
Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman appear in this film in completely new roles that they have never had the opportunity to play before. They are religious parents who are trying to accept their son's homosexuality. In desperation, they send him to "conversion therapy", with which they want to cure him of these "diseases". It is a biographical drama based on Garrard Conley's memoir of the same name.
Carol (2015)
A stunningly moving story with an incredible cast depicts the passionate relationship between Carol, played by Cate Blanchett, and young Therese, played by Rooney Mara. Carol is trapped in a loveless marriage and when she meets Therese, who is on the verge of her sexual awakening, she realizes that her life is not over and that she still has time to discover. If you find yourself in a rut, watch this movie to remind you that it's never too late.
