5 Newly Streaming Movies for the Two-Hour Escape You Need

Allow these set designs to transport you.

Rebecca Deczynski

Published Sep 24, 2018 7:14 PM

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There is no shortage of shows and movies to watch—but when you have so many to choose from, it’s easy to fall into that same old trap. You can’t decide what to put on, so you opt for your go-tos: reruns of The Office or Friends, or whatever happens to be on cable at the time. But the right film can be a balm on a stressful day instead of just serving as a temporary distraction—and since many are now coming to streaming platforms after their time in theaters was cut short, you have even more to choose from.

Don’t worry, we narrowed them down for you. These five newly available-to-watch movies are aesthetically pleasing wonders with set design and visual spectacles that will take your mind off everything else, if only for a few hours.

Celebration (2020)

This documentary about designer Yves Saint Laurent’s final few years at the helm of his fashion house was suppressed by his partner, Pierre Bergé, for years—but now it’s finally getting a wide release. It’s an intense, not always flattering look behind the scenes of the industry, but it boasts plenty of sumptuous clothes. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

Emma (2020)

This pastel-hued marzipan of a movie is packed with all the wallpaper inspiration you need to stay satiated for months. It also happens to be the first women-led adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, directed by Autumn de Wilde. Come for the classic rom-com plot, but don’t be surprised if you leave feeling inspired to start a collection of richly toned ribbons. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s highly celebrated version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel is the perfect watch, centered on the comforts of family, the challenges of chasing a dream, and the hardships of love. You’ll smile, you’ll cry, and you’ll positively weep over the intricate details of Claire Kaufman’s set decoration and Jacqueline Durran’s costume design. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

This love story leads viewers through the relationship between two women in 1770 France: A painter, Marianne, is commissioned to make a wedding portrait of a young woman named Héloïse—but she must do so entirely without her knowledge. Of course, a film about an artist is a visual treat in itself, filled with heart-wrenching landscape shots and moody interiors alike. Watch it on Hulu.

Fantastic Fungi (2019)

The natural world can also provide plenty of comfort. If you’ve already made your way through Planet Earth and Our Planet, this new documentary about the world of mushrooms is rife with oddly pleasing visuals (including many ultra-satisfying time lapses) that are sure to leave you perfectly calm. Watch it on Vimeo.