I love a romantic film, but my recent genre of choice has been falling in love with nature films. While completing the first year of my MA, I haven’t had much time to spare, and I’d give myself an hour each evening to watch, read, or go to sleep early. During that time, I found myself drawn to films that portray nature in its vast, beautiful glory; harsh yet lush and abundant. They’ve made me so excited to get out into nature now that my exams are done! If you’re looking for a film about nature that will inspire your next wilderness adventure, read on…
Listers
Birdwatching is “cool now”, thanks in part to the Reiser brothers, the geniuses behind Listers. This free, feature-film length documentary popped up on my YouTube home page earlier this year and it’s likely the best recommendation YouTube has given me. Whether you’re into birdwatching or not, this film is a must-watch. It captures the spirit of being in nature, with friends, without a care in the world (except scoring another lifer, of course). For me, it took me back to my childhood, when my grandparents would show me their books on British birds, flora and fauna, and tales of their rambling. Part nostalgia, part boyish eager yet naive exploration, this documentary casts a lens (or binoculars, if you will) on how we interact with nature, summer holidays, and the beauty of birds across the U.S.
My rating: 10/10
The Green Knight
Image courtesy of SceneStill
On a recent trip to Cornwall, my boyfriend screened The Green Knight. I wasn’t sure I wanted to watch it – wasn’t this some kind of DC superhero film? No, not at all. The Green Knight follows the Welsh/Cornish/British tale of old, challenging Sir Arthur’s court to “strike him once with his axe” and in a year’s time, he will return the blow. Sir Gawain steps up, swiftly beheads the knight, and is heralded a hero for 11 months. But, as winter begins to fall, his destiny calls… This A24 film sees Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, his ride to his fate seeing him encounter different elements of nature and the human experience. A beautiful, enthralling, and of course, little bit creepy film.
My rating: 9/10
The Nettle Dress
The Nettle Dress may just be my favourite nature-slash-fashion film. I’ve had the pleasure of watching it multiple times, and even hosting a Q&A with the film’s director, Dylan Howitt, as well as a few panel talks with protagonist Allan Brown. This documentary film follows Allan’s journey in growing, harvesting, spinning and weaving nettles into a dress; an ancient art that’s almost been forgotten. Yet it’s not the craft that takes centre stage, its the mournful, meaningful memories and emotions that are woven into the dress and film alike. Both are beautifully made, showcasing the beauty of the South Downs National Park too. Read my full review →
My rating: 10/10
Wild
Image courtesy of FilmGrab
You could probably guess that I like films with strong female protagonists, so Wild is up there for me. It features Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a wayward female hiker attempting the Pacific Crest Trail, a brutal 2,650-mile hiking trail spanning three states. Like the Nettle Dress, this is less about the walk, and more about her reasons for walking. Nature becomes Cheryl’s test, truth, and healer. It’s an emotional yet empowering watch.
My rating: 8/10
Captain Fantastic
Back in 2016 I had the pleasure of attending the Captain Fantastic film premiere. My review was a somewhat bewildered combination of ‘why me?’ and ‘oh I get it now’. Captain Fantastic is centred around a family living deep in the forest, with no influence from society. Tragedy strikes, causing them to stray into the ‘real world’, and navigate the oddities that we know as social norms. I have really fond memories of this film, sitting somewhere between Little Miss Sunshine, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Into the Wild. It’s comedic, it’s emotional, has an all-star cast with Viggo Mortensen and Kathryn Hahn.
My rating: 8/10
Into the Wild
Image courtesy of FilmGrab
I had to finish this round-up with Into the Wild. Christopher McCandless’ story is one that everyone needs to hear, be it through the book or film. I read this the same year I started Curiously Conscious and despite living in a city in Europe, felt transported to the Alaskan wilderness, with a wild yearning for outdoor adventure. My first watch of the film was over 10 years ago, following Christopher’s journey out into nature to live nomadically, bringing peace and presence alongside inevitable struggles. It left me with a deep admiration and respect for nature that I’ve never lost.
My rating: 10/10
Let me know if you enjoy any of these films – or if you have any recommendations! I’d love to watch more.
