QuaranTVing
- hellomorningbreath
- Apr 6, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8, 2020
It’s sod’s law that Glasgow is witnessing one of the loveliest Spring-times it has ever seen while we are all unable to leave our homes. Just to make it clear, though, we are not complaining about having to stay home, it is crucially important that we all do as much as we can to keep each other - and ourselves - safe. It’s just that, with the weather gradually improving day by day and those long spring-to-summer nights creeping back in, the beer garden cravings are getting preeeetty strong.
In order to curb these cravings, we have compiled a list of titles on streaming services that will allow you to live vicariously through the characters in shows that are set, or filmed, in Glasgow. So, grab a tasty cold beverage, get on Netflix party with your pals and, in the words of Natasha Bedingfield, open up that dirty window and let that sun illuminate ya faces while you transport yourselves to your favourite Glasgow spots.
1. Lovesick
Netflix
Probably the most feel-good out of the selection today is our first choice, Lovesick. Initially titled Scrotal Recall (b-o-k-e), the show follows the plight of Dylan, a twenty-something-year-old student who finds out he has chlamydia. Unaware of when he picked it up, Lovesick maps his journey of informing each and every one of his past partners. It may seem like a crass concept (the original show name adding to this perception), but somehow the show manages to
remain fairly wholesome and light-heartedly touching - a bit like us, aww. Once you get past the slightly stylised acting, you settle into watching a tale of three friends navigating their way through life and the city, which looks remarkably good and suspiciously sunny throughout the three series. Featuring a plethora of local pubs, bars and cafes, this is the perfect show to tide you through until your social life can become a reality once more.
2. Only You
Netflix
Ahhhhhhh this movie is soooooo beeeeauuutiful. A serious slow burner, Only You is perhaps the perfect movie for a mellow, rainy night of self-care. If it were a drink, I would say it would be a larger-than-large glass of cosy, cosy, red, red wine. Starring Josh O’Connor (i.e. the love of my life) and Laia Costa, the film is a whirlwind romance that moves in slow motion. The couple first encounter one another on Hogmanay as they both try to hail the same taxi and the film follows their relationship and subsequent attempts to start a family together. The first time I saw this film, I wasn’t entirely convinced. However, as time moved on, the more I thought about it and the more I realised just how beautiful it is. It’s an artsy one, so if you’re looking for action this may not be for you, but if not, I would thoroughly recommend. It also shows Glasgow off in more realistic terms - grey and rainy - but somehow the city still looks great. There’s also tons of Elvis Costello in it if you’re into that.
3. Wild Rose
Amazon
When the trailers for this movie came out, I was quick to put Wild Rose straight in the bin. Yet another film set in Glasgow with yet another lead actor attempting a terrible Glaswegian accent. It’s also about country music. However, I watched this for the first time last week and I have to admit, it is fantastic. Jessie Buckley stars as Rose-Lynn, an aspiring country singer whose dream it is to make it to Nashville, but who has also just been released from prison and is a young, working-class, single mum who can’t break her bail conditions. Julie Walters stars as Rose-Lynn’s mum and does a fantastic job, although she still looks a wee bit too polished to be a true wee Glasgow granny, even in her quilted coat. ANYWAY, this film is brilliant, the acting is incredible (good enough to forgive the many accent slip-ups) and I cannot recommend this one enough, even if you don’t like country music. Although it has its moments of crisis, this film is feel-good from start to finish and I think you should just watch it, alright?!
Some bonus choices:
Under the Skin
Amazon
I don’t know how to describe this one, so I’m just going to leave it here. Scarlett Johansson is an alien in Glasgow. That’s it. That’s the film.
Gregory’s Girl
Amazon (to rent for £2.49)
Ugh, this is a classic. Scotland’s answer to Sixteen Candles. Plus I had my high school swimming lessons in the school it’s shot in, so DoEs ThAt MeAn I’m FaMoUs?!
Sunshine on Leith
Amazon (to rent for £2.49)
Aye, I know it says it’s Leith, but 97% of this film is shot in Glasgow. Play eye-spy with the sights and have a right good sing-a-long to some Proclaimers classics. Would recommend getting involved after a few Tennents.
ONE TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS
God Help the Girl
I don’t know what platform this is on if any, but even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. It is categorically the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Directed by Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch and starring her from A Series of Unfortunate Events, Cassie from Skins and Ollie from Years and Years it is just, like, sOoOo QuiRkY and oh my god SO terrible. Don’t watch. Don’t be tempted. I want those 111 minutes of my life back, please.
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