October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, encouraging early detection, and promoting support for those facing emotional challenges. One of the mediums that can help to explore these themes is film. Below are eight thought-provoking films to watch this weekend, each offering meaningful insights into mental wellness, resilience, and healing. ALSO READ: Early alcohol, cannabis use linked to teen mental health struggles in Rwanda Revolutionary Road (2008) Set in 1950s suburbia, the film follows Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet), a couple trapped between their dreams and societal expectations. Frank spends his days in a job he despises, while April longs for purpose beyond her role as a homemaker. As they plan an escape from their monotonous lives, their fragile relationship begins to unravel. Rachel Getting Married This 2008 drama tells the story of Kym (Anne Hathaway), a recovering addict who returns home for her sister’s wedding. What should be a joyful reunion instead exposes years of family tension, guilt, and unresolved grief. Anomalisa In this 2015 animated film for adults, a motivational speaker (voiced by David Thewlis) finds himself stuck in emotional monotony, every face and voice around him feels the same. His world briefly changes when he meets Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh), whose uniqueness awakens something within him. ALSO READ: How to tackle mental health at work, school Take Shelter Curtis (Michael Shannon) is an ordinary man who begins experiencing terrifying visions of an approaching storm. As his paranoia grows, he becomes consumed with building a storm shelter, fearing for his family’s safety. Little Miss Sunshine At first glance, the 2006 is a quirky family road trip movie. But beneath the humor lies a moving story about depression, failure, and resilience. The dysfunctional Hoover family embarks on a chaotic journey to support young Olive in a beauty pageant, rediscovering love and hope along the way. Cake In one of her most powerful roles, Jennifer Aniston stars as Claire, a woman living with chronic pain and depression after a traumatic loss. Haunted by visions of a fellow support-group member who took her own life, Claire struggles to confront her grief while seeking solace and meaning.
