Like everything we can think of in the past two years, producers promise Sunday’s show will be different. It’s being promoted as something like a fully produced movie. Sounds cool, but we’re good regardless. Ballots for our virtual Oscars pool are complete. Movie-themed menus with matching mocktails for Happy Every Hour are set. We’ve done our research and identified the sober and recovery-related films and nominees. We’re sharing them with you right now so come Sunday, we can all cheer them on together. And the Oscar goes to…….. All The Sober People! We can’t wait to watch!
Hillbilly Elegy
Way to go, Mawmaw Vance! AKA Glenn Close, who received her 8th nomination for Best Actress in this true story about a family dealing with multi-generational substance abuse. As depressing and hopeful as addiction often is, the film does a good job of covering the perspectives of the addict and her loved ones. It’s encouraging to see recovery in the spotlight with a high-profile nomination. Read more in our review of Hillbilly Elegy in Movie Night with The Sober Curator.
Promising Young Woman
Dark humor and a series of crazy plot turns make for a most jarring ride. This one is not for everyone. It could be triggering as it deals with substance abuse-fueled date rape and the main character’s mission of revenge. It’s a twisty storyline with an unexpected ending. At times, I wasn’t sure what I was watching or why I liked it since the subject matter was extremely difficult. The characters are oversimplified but it’s the train wreck you don’t want to see and can’t look away from.
Full disclosure: I did watch it with 19 of my friends in a rented, private theater. It was the first and only time I’ve been in a movie theater since March 2020. Since, I love going to the movie theater, I was a yes without even knowing what we were seeing. I was likely going to like anything. Promising Young Woman was nominated for 5 Academy Awards. I give it 2 suspense-filled, can’t stop watching thumbs up, and definitely recommend it for Movie Night.
Mank
Of course, we must mention Mank because it’s about an alcoholic in old Hollywood. The potential for a fantastic movie is there. Based on the true story of a famous/infamous screenwriter and alcoholic, Herman J. Mankieiwicz, this is a movie about making movies. The entire film is in black and white. While this gives the 1930s a unique starring role, the movie is one-dimensional and a bit hard to follow. We see that Mank’s alcoholism destroys relationships and keeps him from achieving his full potential as he struggles to finish writing Citizen Kane. He has some unfortunate incidents typical of alcoholics and dies at the young age of 55.
The entire story was just typical. It would have been better to see more about Mank’s battle with the disease and how he dealt with it internally. But this also represents a sign of the times. 1930s Hollywood did not have the benefit of widespread AA, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, or Bill W.’s insights. Back then, most people still considered alcoholism to be a choice, and treatment options were limited. Despite these opinions, Mank was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. So, lots of important people think the film has merit.
Trent Reznor Has 2 Nominations!
Wait… what? The Nine Inch Nails guy? One cool thing about Mank is that Trent Reznor, founder of the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, created the score. WTH!? He has two 2021 Oscar nominees for movie scores. I NEVER thought we’d hear this about the leather-clad, super-hot, but obviously tormented frontman singing about wanting to “f8@k you like an animal.” What’s interesting is that both movies he worked on this year have a recovery connection. Active alcoholism and soul searching. Reznor is familiar with both.
Reznor checked into rehab in 2001 and has been sober ever since and credits the late David Bowie for helping him. He no longer plays his more shocking Nine Inch Nails hits because “they are no longer relevant to him.” He has evolved. Sobriety will do this. Countless numbers of fans are disappointed to no longer hear Closer at the live shows. But evolution in the form of spiritual growth, especially when sobriety is involved, trumps the need to satisfy fans and should get a pass.
Surprisingly, Reznor traded shock rock for movie scores years ago. And he is killing it! To date, Reznor and his writing partner, Atticus Ross, have scored big with Before the Flood (film), Bird Box (film), The Black Ghiandola, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011 film), Gone Girl (film), Mank. Mid90s, Patriots Day (film), The Social Network, Soul (2020 film), The Vietnam War (TV series), and Waves (film).
Disney + Pixar’s Soul
While there is no drug use and no raging alcoholics in this Disney flick, it is Trent Reznor’s second Oscar-nominated film score for 2021. Like all of us in recovery, Reznor does his fair share of soul-searching along his sobriety journey.
The leading man in Soul is Joe, a musician who has plenty of soul in the jazz club but no purpose in life. His quest can easily be compared to sobriety. Falling to his death through a manhole (death of addiction), he then visits a fantasy land (recovery) of mentors (sponsors) and new souls (newly sobers). After a few mix-ups (relapses), he ends up back on earth with a new soul. Only when he realizes that purpose in life comes from helping others (a pillar We think this may be why Trent Reznor liked it too.
The White Tiger
Imagine a stealthy, striped, big cat on the prowl. That’s us right now as we’re sneaking this one in. This movie is so much fun to watch for a multitude of reasons. The world is grounded and we can’t travel internationally without having to quarantine. This movie is set in India so we get to see the country. The film also provides a captivating, authentic picture of a slice of life that normally isn’t seen. The Caste System. It’s ugly and frustrating and sad, but it can be beautiful too.
The star is a shining example of a member of the lower caste who is happy. He lives to serve and is still joyful and completely grateful for everything. Until he is not and uses mad, white tiger-like skills to climb out. Morals shift, and viewers are left questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and whose side they are on in the constant struggle for survival and status. While alcoholism is not part of the main storyline, it does have a big part in the plot. One broken whiskey bottle changes everything. The White Tiger is interesting, unpredictable, and absolutely worth the watch.
The White Tiger was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay so it’s legit. Also, in a Kevin Bacon sort of way, we can connect it to addiction. Priyanka Chopra plays the leading female role in The White Tiger. Priyanka is married to Nick Jonas. At one time, Nick Jonas was best friends with Demi Lovato. Enough said.
The Father
We can’t ignore Anthony Hopkins starring in The Father. I did not watch it, but I want to eventually. A daughter who cares for her father, who is suffering from dementia and no longer knows her, is heavy. But, Since Anthony Hopkins is the Father, we can bet it will be worth the watch. It was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. So. there’s that to back it up. We must include this one because Anthony Hopkins is a legendary actor. And Yes, Clarice, he has been sober for 45 years! In honor of this, we’ll share 2 of his favorite quotes and the video he posted @anthonyhopkins to mark the occasion. “Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday” and “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.” Wise words, Sir Anthony.
Where to Watch
Now that you have the recovery-related and sober contenders top of mind, all you have to do is watch, enjoy, and hope they win! The Academy Awards Air Live on Sunday, April 25th, at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT on ABC. Depending on your TV provider, you can stream the show on ABC’s website or app. Other streaming options include YouTube TV and Hulu+Live TV.
Because it’s movie night and the feelings right, it’s movie night! Since you’re not binging on alcohol and drugs anymore, you’re going to need other activities to fill your time. Especially considering we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Get your binge on with movies and TV series that The Sober Curator recommends. Pop the popcorn, make your favorite mocktail or alcohol-free bevies, grab your favorite treats and sweets, and settle in for some good old-fashioned cinema entertainment. Check out the full section HERE.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
