Dark Academia is a popular kind of aesthetic that has an emphasis on literature. The aesthetic can also be described as traditional academia with a gothic edge to it. This means that the people who align with this aesthetic usually wear darker more neutral colors and have a vintage taste in music, places, books, and accessories. Dark Academia movies can be classified as a movie standardly (but not always) set at a prestigious school with the plot involving either a desire for learning or one’s self pursuit. They also usually include a tragedy.
1. DEad Poets society
The Peter Weir movie, Dead Poets Society, starring the award-winning actor Robin Williams was released in 1989. The film follows a group of boys attending a boarding school in Vermont. At the start of the movie, they acquire a new English teacher, John Keating, who inspires them through the use of poetry. (sounds boring, but I promise it’s not) The movie is sorrowfully uplifting, with ups and downs. Humor and love; not to mention the cinematography is absolutely stunning. Overall it is a beautiful film that you should watch!
2. Little Women
While there are many versions of the 1868 novel, the 2019 film directed by Greta Gerwig stands out amongst the crowd. The classic story follows the lives of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. Meg is an aspiring actress who ends up settling down. Jo, an author desperate to get one of her novels published. Amy, the pesky younger sister who yearns for love. And Beth, a natural pianist and the most compassionate. The story takes place during the Civil War and switches from the past to the present. Gerwig’s version of the film really shows the difference between the two times, through coloring, set and overall atmosphere. In the past the colors are vibrant and bright; showing off the joy and love the family holds for each other. In the present, however, the family is all split up, and Beth is gravely ill. Everything is more muted and serious. It is a beautiful remake, worth the watch.
3. Tolkein
Tolkien is the dramatized story of J.R.R. Tolkein (the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) It starts off with Tolkien’s childhood, from the death of his mother to his boarding school days. It shows how the TCBS club got started with friends (Tea Club Barrovain Society). The story follows his growth in himself, his relationships, and his writing. It primary part of the story takes place at Oxford during WW1. It has love and loss and once again has beautiful cinematography.
4. Enola Holmes
This film stars Stranger Things‘ Millie Bobby Brown. It is based on the Sherlock Holmes family, the main character being his sister Enola Holmes. It is a great adventure film as it follows Enola on the search for his missing mother, outwitting her famous brother (Sherlock). It is a great mix of romance and mystery. It takes place in 1884 and shows the struggles of women during that time. The fashion is also beautiful. Definitely good film rec.
5. Swing Kids
The 1993 movie stars Christan Bale and Robert Sean Leonard. The film takes place during World War 2 in Nazis Germany. The story follows a group of three friends who are Swing Kids. Swing Kids were German teenagers who had a love for jazz (and swing) music as well as a love for British and American pop culture. They were a stark contrast to the Nazis who ruled over Germany. In the story, the swing kids are confronted by Nazis and have to deal with staying true to themselves during a time of strict conformity. The film features great music, dancing, and acting! It isn’t as well known as the others but is a great historical film to watch.
Other recs!
- Kill Your Darlings
- Mary Shelley
- Pride and Prejudice
- Mona Lisa Smiles
- The Picture of Dorian Gray