A quintessential moving away movie.

The night before I moved to New York to attend Barnard, my best friend wrote me a letter. She told me how much she would miss me and how proud she was of me… and she recommended a movie: Brooklyn. Over winter break, I was able to watch it, and it felt like a warm hug. 

The movie Brooklyn, directed by John Crowley and starring Saoirse Ronan, is an absolute must-watch for any student moving to New York City. In the film, the main character, Eilis, moves from her small town in Ireland to the big city to find a career. The film tells a beautiful story of her finding a new “home.”

At the beginning of her move, Eilis is beyond homesick; she misses her family and her hometown and regrets her decision to move to New York. As a student who is also far from home, I deeply relate to this homesickness. The feeling of loneliness is one that many Barnumbia students can relate to. However, once she finds love in the city, her life changes, and Eilis is able to build a life and feel a sense of belonging. 

The story also features a loss in the family, a heartbreaking aspect of life. As someone who has, unfortunately, experienced the loss of a family member, this movie made me feel comforted and seen. If you are also someone who has experienced a loss, this movie might be a beautiful way for you to feel comforted. 

This lovely movie is a love letter to a new city and to those of us who are far from home. It serves as a comforting reminder that it is, in fact, possible to create a sense of belonging wherever you go. 

Brooklyn Bridge via Bwarchives