(Credit: Netflix)

After a long night of revelry, the most unwelcome guest that is always the first to arrive the next day is a hangover. The exhilarating night out comes to an end with the aftermath of the buzz chase. The morning is greeted with a blistering headache and muscle soreness. And considering that it just gets amplified with every loud sound, slightest movement or flicker of harsh light, there’s no choice but to take a break from work as you nurse yourself back to sanity. But in between the naps and many mixtures disguised as cures, you need some entertainment, and Netflix is there to save you.

Keeping in mind the situation you are in, a high-octane action flick with explosions and blazing guns is not going to help. Neither will it be an intense, emotionally charged drama. You need a film that is fluffy enough to make you feel comfortable but not overly sweet to trigger the nausea. And the movie that is perfect for this scenario is Paddington. 

Paddington is just the balm needed for your headache. It is visually pleasing and sonically soft. There are no abrupt cuts or exuberant effects added. The smooth cinematography portrays a clean and comforting environment. Set in London, the landscape is shown to be cosy with warm tones. Exuding a storybook-like charm, the setting comes alive with the whimsy of a talking bear. There are no blaring sirens or jump scares; instead, the visual appeal is accompanied by soft and melodic sounds. 

There is so much heart and kindness in Paddington that it is just the perfect escape. The goodness of the film and characters is much needed when you are stuck reliving the disastrous happenings of an intoxicated night. The sweet story reassures your faith in humanity without breaching the cringeworthy zone.

It does not get too on-the-nose or preachy with its messaging. The conviction and self-awareness of the film, which has already won over the viewer with a talking bear, just enhances the message’s appeal. The movie is based on a character from children’s literature by Michael Bond. This itself adds a dollop of comfort on top as it builds on an already existing connection with the audience. 

Paul King’s Paddington does not present you with overwhelmingly stressful conflicts. They are engaging without causing immense distress. The sincerity of the storytelling lends a satisfying resolution to the film. It is not packed with intense emotional depth. But it has enough emotional weight to leave you feeling better and comforted. The film does not have confusing plot lines or complex characters to bewilder your mind. It may not be a groundbreaking, cinematic masterpiece. Instead, it’s just simplicity wrapped in a hug.

The film will leave you feeling lighter and much further ahead on your road to recovery from the befuddling events of your night. It provides you with quietness and solace when you need it most. It may not directly heal your sore muscles, headaches, or any other physical ailments, but it will lead you to a state of much-needed relaxation.