Maudern Movies, a weekly series that curates films for your viewing pleasure.
Someone once said: "Dating after 40 is like, are we doing this or not? Because I’ve got things to do.” And they're right. By the time you've reached 40, chances are you've had a love or two (or seven, but who's counting?) and as you hit 50 and 60, you might be redefining love as empty nesters reclaiming your time or taking on dating again stubbornly questioning the absurdity of it all.
In short, dating and love in middle-age is like venturing out on the path again— only this time with a few scars, extra batteries, and a flare gun—and the only question is: Do you take on the adventure fearlessly like Bassett or Bening (who can say no to Taye Diggs. . .) or do you tiptoe the trail like Fonda or Khan (RIP)?
Meet the five films that prove that yes, even though it can feel like new territory, love does get better with age.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back, 1998
Directed by: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
Starring: Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg
Stella (Bassett), a 40-year-old stockbroker, has had an unlucky run with love. She and her best friend Delilah (Goldberg) head to Jamaica for a much-needed vacation, where she meets a handsome 20-something named Winston (Diggs). When it's time to leave, she realizes what started off as an island fling, has evolved into something much deeper.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon, Vudu
The Kids Are Alright, 2010
Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko
Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo
Same-sex couple Nic (Bening) and Jules (Moore) have been together for twenty years and have raised two children thanks to an anonymous donor. As their eldest child prepares for college, they are faced with the inevitable—telling their children where they came from. After their [son/daughter] gets in contact with Jules' donor, Paul (Ruffalo), a complicated chain of events begins to unfold.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon, Vudu
The Lunchbox, 2013
Directed by: Ritesh Batra
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Bored and lonely housewife, Ila (Kaur) is looking to spice up her marriage with her neglectful husband. She prepares a special treat for him but the lunchbox winds up in the hands of a stranger, Saajan (Khan). Correspondence between the two begin—sparking a newfound friendship and world of fantasy with Saajan.
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, 2017
Directed by: Paul McGuigan
Starring: Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Kenneth Cranham
Based on the memoir by Peter Turner, this heart-wrenching film follows aging Academy Award-winning actress Gloria Grahame (Bening) and her journey to find love and happiness while battling breast cancer. She meets Peter (Bell), a younger man, and a quick friendship turns into a deeper romance. Her cancer returns, and Grahame must decide where their future lies.
Where to watch: Vudu
Our Souls at Night, 2017
Directed by: Ritesh Batra
Starring: Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Judy Greer
Addie Moore (Fonda) and Louis Waters (Redford), have been neighbors for decades while knowing almost nothing about each other. After losing their significant others, they seem to have more in common than most. Addie presents the idea that the two share a bed platonically as a way to combat their shared feelings of loneliness. As their friendship further evolves, each dealing with grief and loss, a romance blooms.
Where to watch: Netflix
