Attachment, in the context of film, often explores the profound emotional bonds between characters, whether they be familial, romantic, platonic, or even the connection one might feel to a specific place or time. These films delve into the complexities of relationships, the strength needed to maintain them, and the pain experienced when they are broken or lost. The theme of attachment underscores the fundamental human need for connection and belonging, and how this longing shapes our identities, actions, and perceptions.
“Good Will Hunting”, 1997
Director: Gus Van Sant
This film delves into the attachment between a young janitor, Will Hunting, with a genius-level IQ, and his therapist. It explores how understanding and emotional support can help heal past traumas and foster personal growth.
Starring: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver, Casey Affleck, Cole Hauser, Scott William Winters, John Mighton, Rachel Majorowski;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Good Will Hunting” on the website imdb.com
“Room”, 2015
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Telling the story of a young woman and her son, who were held captive in a small room, this film explores the intense bond that develops between them. Their attachment is their survival strategy, showing the power of love in the most harrowing circumstances.
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, Tom McCamus, William H. Macy, Cas Anvar, Randal Edwards, Amanda Brugel, Joe Pingue;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Atonement”, 2007
Director: Joe Wright
This film handles the themes of love, guilt, and the desire for forgiveness, tracing the lives of two lovers torn apart by a young girl's jealous misunderstanding. It shows how attachment not only connects but can deeply wound when misinterpreted or manipulated.
Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Harriet Walter, Romola Garai, Brenda Blethyn, Patrick Kennedy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juno Temple, Daniel Mays;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, detective, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, 2004
Director: Michel Gondry
A complex exploration of romantic attachment and memory, the film delves into the pain of a breakup and the desperate desire to erase the memories of a former partner, only to realize the importance of those memories and feelings.
Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Thomas Jay Ryan, Jane Adams, David Cross, Gerry Robert Byrne;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: melodrama, science fiction, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” on the website imdb.com
“Brooklyn”, 2015
Director: John Crowley
This narrative centers on a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. The film beautifully captures the attachment to one's homeland and the struggle of forming new bonds in a foreign place, creating a bittersweet examination of identity and belonging.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Brid Brennan, Jane Brennan, Fiona Glascott, Jessica Paré, Eileen O'Higgins;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Brooklyn” on the website imdb.com
“The Theory of Everything”, 2014
Director: James Marsh
Based on the life of Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane Wilde, the film explores the challenges and triumphs of their relationship. It highlights how physical disability and scientific ambition test their attachment, revealing the strength and resilience required to maintain love in the face of adversity.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox, David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Maxine Peake, Simon McBurney, Abigail Cruttenden, Harry Lloyd, Michael Marcus Morgan;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: biography, melodrama, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Theory of Everything” on the website imdb.com
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
This biographical drama showcases the determination of a father to provide for his son during a period of extreme hardship. The film is a poignant depiction of parental attachment and the lengths to which one will go to protect and nurture that bond.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Her”, 2013
Director: Spike Jonze
Set in the near future, “Her” explores the unusual attachment between a man and an artificial intelligence system. The film presents a thought-provoking perspective on love and the human need for connection, challenging our understanding of what it means to truly care for someone.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, Olivia Wilde, Matt Letscher, Kristen Wiig, Portia Doubleday, Laura Kai Chen;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: melodrama, science fiction, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Lion”, 2016
Director: Garth Davis
Based on a true story, “Lion” is about a young Indian boy who gets lost from his family, gets adopted by an Australian couple, and then searches for his lost family years later. It finely captures the longing for familial attachment and the emotional journey of reconnecting with one’s roots.
Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Sunny Pawar, Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, Khushi Solanki, Shankar Nisode, Tannishtha Chatterjee;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Call Me by Your Name”, 2017
Director: Luca Guadagnino
A sumptuous summer romance set in 1980s Italy, the film explores the fleeting, intense attachment between two young men and the enduring impact of their relationship. It poignantly addresses the joy and pain of first love and the indelible mark it leaves.
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois, Vanda Capriolo, Antonio Rimoldi, Elena Bucci, Marco Sgrosso;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Call Me by Your Name” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their diverse narratives, offer a broad perspective on the complex nature of attachment, inviting reflection on the bonds that define and sustain us.
In the exploration of films about attachment, we trace a vivid path through the complex terrain of human connections and the myriad forms they take. These movies, ranging from the familial bonds in “The Tree of Life” to the romantic entanglements in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” reveal the intrinsic desire for connection that lies at the heart of the human experience. They dissect the joy, pain, and transformative power of attachments, showcasing how these bonds shape our identities, drive our actions, and influence our perceptions of the world. In portraying the nuanced dynamics of attachment, these films not only mirror our own lives but also offer a deeper understanding of the fundamental need for connection that unites us all. Through their stories, we are reminded of the fragility and strength of the human heart and the enduring quest for love and belonging that defines our existence.
