Stan Streaming Club is back, bringing you a curated selection of the best shows and movies to watch right now.
This month we’re feeling reflective, as we choose life-affirming stories that prove no matter how crazy life gets, everything happens for a reason. Kind of.
From characters questioning their life choices, to humorous and poignant takes on the quirks of our existence, many relatable milestones have been reflected on screen over the years.
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So, if you’re in a state of flux, guilty of having a self-indulgent quarter-life crisis, or literally just need something to watch tonight, here is the best Stan content to get you through.
Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Featuring star turns by Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman, it’s the chemistry of the cast that makes this adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 book a classic. The coming-of-age movie completely nails the ecstasy and anxiety of being a teen in that unique period of finishing school and moving away to university. It’s a tale of friendship, fear and hope that explores deeper themes of how people come to be, or feel like, outsiders.
Broad City
Web-series-turned-comedy-powerhouse Broad City stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer as best friends in New York just trying to catch a break, regardless of what life throws at them. Slapstick aside, many city-living 20-somethings will see a part of themselves in at least one of this charismatic duo, as they navigate the demanding worlds of careers, dating, and simply paying rent on time.
Catfish: The TV Show
Part controversial, part comforting, Catfish: The TV Show is mostly life-affirming thanks to the heartening optimism of hosts Nev and Max. Granted, it shows us the worst of humanity as well as the best, but bear with us. Beyond the overplayed reality drama is a show about overcoming the odds, accepting our own and other people’s flaws, and taking a risk every once in a while — you never know what may come of it. Even if you don’t take away those life lessons, you’ll be forever grateful for learning how to reverse-image search and avoid your own online dating disaster.
HAPPYish
British comedy icon Steve Coogan stars as advertising executive Thom Payne, whose pursuit of happiness hits a metaphorical wall when a younger boss starts working at his firm. Thom begins reassessing everything — his beautiful house, his loving family and his successful career, making for a raw and dark take on growing older in a youth-obsessed world.
No Tomorrow
Seize the day, there’s no time like the present, etc, etc. No Tomorrow takes those proverbs and runs with them, as risk-averse Evie finds a solution to her existential crisis in the shape of free-spirited Xavier, who believes the end of the world is nigh. They start completing a list of things to do before the potential apocalypse arrives in eight months time, all while Evie tries to figure out if this guy is for real.
Key and Peele
Taking things in a whole other direction, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele give us a fresh version of the comedy sketch show with their provocative take on modern day life. You’ll find the charming duo satirising everyone from pop stars to presidents with their irreverent ways — a must-watch for comedy fans.
Brad’s Status
Ben Stiller puts in one of his more poignant performances as Brad, a man in the midst of a mid-life crisis who’s questioning his typical suburban lifestyle. As he takes his son to tour college campuses, he connects with old friends who have all found considerable wealth and success since their own college days, forcing Brad to reassess his choices.
The Other Guy
This Stan original stars Matt Okine as radio host AJ, who finds himself unexpectedly single after his girlfriend of 10 years sleeps with his best friend. The show takes us through the destructive stages of a breakup that will be uncomfortably familiar to anyone who’s been there, and reminds us to see the humour in life, since we’re all full of insecurities anyway.