Amazing Must Watch Films About Drinking 

by Emma Wilson

Have you ever watched a movie that turned out to be so good that you were influenced by it? This has happened many times to different people and even changed them. The content of a film can be so inspiring or impactful that you end up imitating some of the things you watched. This explains why some of the best films on food and drinks have influenced people's choices over time. Whatever your motivation for watching movies about drinking is, the following collection will be interesting to note. Consider the list below if you intend to build an exciting playlist or want to have something to write home about. 

Harvey 

You have probably wondered if you should indulge in your favorite bottle of the Gordon Macphail and maybe even held back a few times for fear of being an alcoholic and society's derelict. Well, alcoholism may be something people frown upon, but it may not be that bad. Nothing shows this better than Henry Coster's Harvey film. This is a film that was produced back in the 1950 and directed by Henry Coster.  

The two main characters, El-Wood and his friend pooka-cum-rabbit have been depicted as functional alcoholics if there is something like that. They enjoy spending a lot of their time at taverns and hanging out with their drunken friends. Elwood seems to struggle with his mental health, and his psychiatrist thinks that alcoholism does not have much to do with this. Even so, it remains a significant concern all through the film. 

Contrary to what many expect with alcoholism, the story tries to paint a somewhat optimistic picture about the drinking habit by making Elwood and his friends seem like balanced individuals. It pegs them as contended alcoholics and perfect social beings. Alcohol in this story seems to be the lubricant that cushions many drunkards against hardships, making them seem like the ideal role models that can have an ability to accept people and accommodate differences.  

With this viewpoint in mind, it is not surprising that some people may turn to alcohol as a cushion. But does it work? Either way, Harvey is a worthwhile watch. 

28 Days 

Another excellent movie discussing alcohol addiction would be 28 Days. Sandra Bullock did justice to this movie as she depicts the lifestyle of most successful working professionals that lead their life on the fast lane. With constant partying and drinking, Gwen brings to life the realities and struggles of alcoholics in the guise of social life. She finds herself being forced to go to rehab after her overindulging causes her to act irresponsibly. It was so bad that she made stupid choices that had severe consequences, such as when she ruined her sister's wedding.  

This real movie captures the struggles of most alcoholics who start by being stubborn and unwilling to accept their efforts or even find the help they need. When reality is no longer easy to hide, she gets help and signs up for rehab, where she meets a new crowd and makes new friends. Over time, she manages to get her life in order and even sustain new relationships. This would be the perfect sobriety movie that is excellent for a recovering community. 

Edna, The Inebriate Woman 

This brilliant movie from the 70s is an excellent film worth your time. Ted Kotcheff directed it in 1971. The beautiful story was written by Jeremy Sandford and attracted an audience of over 9 million people. Its main actress, Patricia Hayes, makes this movie a worthwhile watch even today, years after it was a hit. The film highlights the social vices attached to alcoholism as it tries to highlight how society tends to treat homeless alcoholics.  

She brings out the realities of this truth so perfectly that one is likely to believe it easily. You get to understand the hardships that alcoholics with no home face as they hop from the street to the police station, psych ward, and even a hostel, all in a bid to find an accommodating home to survive. This film brings home a reality and truth that many people struggle to believe or appreciate, yet it is here to stay. 

Smashed 

Women also struggle with alcoholism, but it seems they have a hard time accepting the truth. There is no better place to watch this than through the movie titled, Smashed. In this movie, the main character Kate, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, struggles with alcoholism without so much support from her loved ones.    

Her husband Charlie and she lead a life full of fun and partying until her drinking and drug abuse habit brings shame. Unfortunately, when she decided to get sober, the two people whose support she needed most were skeptical. While her mother and husband condemned her choice, she got much-needed support from other recovering alcoholics.  

Many people may rate this movie as a typical cliche, but the truth is so real and even sometimes difficult for recovering addicts who find it very relatable. As she gets sober, a few brutal facts about her life become more evident, and she now has to find ways to deal with it no matter how painful it is. 

The Spectacular Now 

You will probably fall in love with this film because of how raw and real it is. The characters, Stutter and Aimee, meet and discover that they are from different worlds. Stutter loves to party, while Aimee is more focused and a go-getter. What makes this love story even more beautiful is how the two manage to make it in the end despite the struggles with alcoholism.  

In the end, the man appreciates that there's more to life than just messing around and having fun.  

Final Thoughts 

There are numerous films to watch and learn about alcoholism and the struggles around it. Take your pick and enjoy!