How do you like St. Valentine’s? Honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it is wonderful to have a day to celebrate, plan something just for you two, and let romance fill your life. On the other hand, all these hearts, chocolates, and cupids feel rather pressing and artificial.
So, my choice is a compromise: spend the evening with your loved one, but don't take it too seriously. A good movie for St. Valentine’s Day will add a dash of humour and irony to the night of love. Here are six options for different occasions.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Releasing in theatres on February 14, it seems like the perfect blockbuster to watch with a basket of popcorn and someone who enjoys Marvel movies by your side. Chris Evans is not in this one, but who cares, really?
Does your love story remind others of an epic thriller or some arthouse comedy? Then you will both enjoy Punch-Drunk Love. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, it is an absurdist comedy featuring a brilliant cast: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Barry Eagan, a lonely man who might be called a weirdo, shows surprising affections and turns out to be a true romantic. The deep meaning of this movie? All you need in life is to find someone as crazy as yourself.
Quentin Tarantino probably wouldn’t be hired as a cupid, but he certainly delivered a film worth watching on February 14. Young Quentin was scraping together funds for his directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, and writing the script for True Romance helped him.
Will it show true love? Hmm… Will it show amazing dialogue, an outstanding cast, and a few good shooting scenes? Absolutely.
I have watched this movie once, and I have hated it ever since. But recently, I found myself considering giving La La Land a second chance — mainly for Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and its magnificent soundtrack. What is more, if you are alone, the ending might not sting as much. We, lonely wolves, are far more cynical than those blindfolded lovebirds, aren’t we?
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Are you tired of Valentine’s crowds, much like Detroit vampire Adam (Tom Hiddleston) is tired of life? Then grab your Eve (played by Tilda Swinton) and stay at home with one of Jim Jarmusch’s finest films.
After watching, you may stay up late, as long as blackout curtains keep you from hissing at the sun the next morning.
Sharing a sense of humour is a must for partners. Will your chosen one laugh at this David Lynch masterpiece? Or will you? Wild at Heart will show.
What I do know is that you will listen to Chris Isaak’s "Wicked Game" on repeat; and probably feel an irresistible urge to rewatch Mulholland Drive.