Spring in Media
Photo: Leon Orlov-Sullivan
Written by Diana Alvarez
Last September, I looked out my window and felt grief come over me. As if the warmth itself were a person, I mourned its loss as the colder months crept in. Growing up, I despised the warm weather. The heat made it harder to find cute outfits to wear, and the blistering sun, which beamed relentlessly, made sweat collect on my forehead as large bugs filled the air. Yet, as I have grown older, the warmer months became a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the cold winter. To me, springtime air is filled with emotions, ambition, and a sense of renewal and possibilities. Suddenly, love feels more profound, self-discovery and reflection feel more urgent, and connections to people, places, and things feel stronger. As we slowly begin to see the signs of spring, here are some recommendations from contemporary media that may help you embrace its early glimpses.
Movies:
Movies are visual stories that unlock and evoke emotions, showcase beautiful cinematography, and create relatability through characters and storylines. With overarching themes of love, self-discovery, and connection, here are three recommendations that I feel do that and more.
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017)
Leading Costars Armie Hammer (Oliver) and Timothée Chalamet (Elio Perlman) in the film “Call Me By Your Name” // Photograph by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom / Sony Pictures Classics
Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me by Your Name,” based on the novel by André Aciman, follows Elio Perlman and his romantic journey with Oliver, who is studying abroad in Italy under Elio’s father. The film’s beauty and effortless style, set against an Italian countryside setting, create the perfect backdrop for love. Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom captures the sun-drenched romance, intertwining the scenic landscapes and emotions into subtle interactions between the characters. Like the arrival of spring, Elio’s summer love spearheads a period of self-transformation, filled with passion, vulnerability, and the beautiful yet tragic emotions entangled with a fleeting love.
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A REAL PAIN (2024)
Movie Poster for A Real Pain // Photo Source by Searchlight Pictures
What I love about spring is its capacity to spark introspection and growth. Jesse Eisenberg's “A Real Pain” follows two cousins, Benji and David Kaplan, as they travel through Poland to explore their grandmother’s history following her passing. Much like spring marks a transition from cold to warm, “A Real Pain” looks into the transition from grief to acceptance. As Benji and David navigate their grief, insecurities, and the complexity of their relationship, the viewer explores themes that are relatable and oftentimes misunderstood in ourselves. The film balances itself with light humor and personable yet complex side characters, leaving you wondering where and when you have encountered this character before and how you see yourself reflected in them.
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YOUR NAME (2016)
Protagonists Taki and Mitsuha in the Japanese animated romance and fantasy film “Your Name” directed by Makoto Shinkai // Photograph by Anime Ltd
As spring grass defrosts and winds simmer, we leave our homes in search of warmth to return to what was brought to us by spring. The urge to explore has the ability to connect us. Similarly, the animated film “Your Name” follows two inexplicably connected teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies despite living in different places. Taki and Mitsuha build a deep connection amid a journey that transcends all realms of time and space to understand their inseparable bond. The visuals, scenery, and dreamy color palette undoubtedly capture the feeling and the essence of spring –a season where possibilities and connections bloom.
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BOOKS
Like many, books are my escape from everyday activities. With each sentence, I step into a new world, learn more about a character, and immerse myself in stories similar to mine. Whether by navigating the mystery of human connection, the weight of untold truths, or the journey toward self-discovery, each of these books offers a chance to step into a new perspective– reminding us that life, though often uncertain, is an essential part of life’s development:
NORMAL PEOPLE - SALLY ROONEY (2018)
Few stories truly capture the complexities of love like “Normal People” by Sally Rooney. The story follows Connel and Marianne– two profoundly connected yet misaligned lovers- as they embark on the challenges of love. Their relationship fluctuates like the seasons, mirroring the uncertainties and transformations that spring so often brings.
EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU - CELEST NG (2014)
Celest Ng’s dramatic novel explores family dynamics, identity, and most devastatingly, the dreadful weight of unspoken words. The novel shifts perspective yet primarily focuses on the character Lydia, the favored daughter of a Chinese-American family in the 1970s, whose sudden passing forced family members to reflect on their actions and words. This story emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and understanding one's past to grow.
EMMA - JANE AUSTEN (1815)
Jane Austen’s “Emma” follows the well-intentioned protagonist Emma Woodhouse as she progresses on her journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the book, Emma overcomes several obstacles within her relationships that fundamentally change her understanding of herself and those around her. While Emma’s character is flawed, she ultimately finds a more balanced and fulfilling sense of happiness by the end of the book. As a reader, I found Emma to be a relatable character as many of us will undergo a transformation, like hers that is as inevitable and necessary as the changing of the seasons.
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MUSIC
Sometimes, all we need is music. The sounds of spring are unique and versatile, often characterized by an up-tempo backing track over soothing and catchy vocals. The following songs are curated by me to evoke the feelings of spring:
Indie pop/Alternative -With their catchy lyrics and melodies, these songs range from tranquil to upbeat spring vibes.
Spring - Saint Etienne
My Girls- Animal Collective
Back To Oz - Sufijan Stevens
Well-Rested - Kero Kero Bonito
Right When You Left - Mickey Darling
On Melancholy Hill - Gorillaz
Love Foolosophy - Jamiroquai
Rock - Taking it back to the classics, these songs embody the heart of timeless rock. Whether through poetic lyricism or vibrant instrumentals, these songs convey the feeling of a perfect spring afternoon.
Bermuda Triangle - Fleetwood Mac
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) - George Harrison
Most likely You Go Your Own Way - Bob Dylan
Ambient- Whether you're people-watching on an early spring morning or reading on a sunny afternoon, these songs let you lose yourself in the sound.
Xtal - Apex Twin
OH! TENGO SUERTE - Masayoshi Takanaka
Autopsie d’un complot -Ahmed Malek
Subways - The Avalanches
Run Into Flowers - M83
Hip-Pop - As the days get longer and the air feels lighter, these hip-hop tracks bring the perfect vibe for spring—fresh, reflective, and full of energy.
NUEVAYoL - Bad Bunny
Passin’ Me By - The Pharcyde
93 “Til Infinity
Boom Bap - Doechii
Untitled 08 | 09.06.2024. - Kendrick Lamar
