Thoughtful films and series to slow you down, open you up, and gently shift perspective.
While we’re still in the quieter stretch of the year – darker evenings, colder days, fewer social plans – there’s an invitation to soften the pace. Winter is a natural time for turning inward, and for choosing stories that do more than entertain.
Some films and series have a way of meeting us exactly where we are. They move slowly, ask meaningful questions, and stay with us long after the credits roll. They can help us process, reflect, and reconnect – often without us realising it.
This is our Bright Souls edit of what to watch for a soulful awakening – emotionally rich storytelling, thoughtful pacing, and a few familiar faces you may already love.
Photo by Max Harlynking on Unsplash
TV Series to Sink Into on Long Evenings
The Leftovers
Starring Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Liv Tyler
A deeply philosophical exploration of grief, belief and meaning after a mysterious global event. Beautiful, intense, and emotionally intelligent.
Watch when: you’re ready for something profound.
Rectify
Starring Aden Young, Abigail Spencer
Quiet, contemplative and deeply humane. A slow, restorative series about forgiveness, reintegration and identity.
Watch when: you want tenderness rather than tension.
Undone
Voiced by Rosa Salazar, Bob Odenkirk
A visually poetic journey through trauma, time and family healing. Creative and emotionally layered.
Watch when: you’re drawn to inner work and nonlinear storytelling.
Station Eleven
Starring Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Gael García Bernal
A post-pandemic story centred on art, memory and community. Hopeful, human and quietly uplifting.
Watch when: you need perspective and reassurance.
I May Destroy You
Created by & starring Michaela Coel
Bold, honest and transformative. A powerful exploration of agency, creativity and healing.
Watch when: you’re ready for truth and depth.
The OA
Starring Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs
A metaphysical odyssey about belief, trauma and connection. Not everyone’s cup of tea — but unforgettable if it’s yours.
Watch when: you’re open to mystery.
Films for Presence, Perspective & Quiet Transformation
Paterson – Adam Driver
A mindful celebration of routine and everyday creativity.
Aftersun – Paul Mescal
Intimate, tender and quietly devastating. A film that lingers.
Nomadland – Frances McDormand
A gentle road meditation on impermanence and resilience.
Perfect Days
A sublime ode to presence, ritual and simplicity.
Her – Joaquin Phoenix, voice of Scarlett Johansson
A soulful reflection on love, loneliness and modern connection.
Hamnet – Jessie Buckley & Paul Mescal
A soulful elegy that dwells in loss with tenderness, finding meaning in what lingers after love.
How to Watch (Bright Souls Way)
While you’re watching, let it become a ritual rather than background noise.
- Sit on your PEMF mat and let your body unwind while the story unfolds
- Pour a warm cacao or an alcohol-free nightcap – something grounding, comforting, intentional
- Put your phone away and allow the pace to slow
Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is create the conditions to feel.
Pair It With Our Album of the Month
For the moments before or after watching, we’ve chosen an Album of the Month on Spotify – music that warms a space without demanding attention. Perfect for slow evenings, winding down, or letting a film settle.
→ Listen to our Album of the Month on Spotify
Stay Connected
For more calm moments and curated wellness:
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A gentle note – Some links shared via Bright Souls are affiliate links. We only ever feature products we genuinely use and love, and we always aim to secure the best prices for our community.
