Many of us can relate to or resonate with a movie. The beauty of movies is that they can tell stories that are close to home. The movie can even be about dragons and fairies or set in a dystopian future but it’s not the setting that’s important, it’s how we see ourselves in the characters or in the situation they’re in.
Movies based or inspired by true stories can be either heartwarming or terrifying (or both) as these are stories told and experiences that were lived by real life people. While some may be slightly exaggerated or dramatised, they can still stir something in our hearts. Let’s look at some of the movies released this year and upcoming ones that were based or inspired by true events:
1. Ted K (February 2022)
The “Ted K” movie is a historical movie that first premiered at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival back in 2021 but was released internationally in February of this year. The movie depicts the life of American terrorist Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber and the events leading to his arrest. The movie stars Sharlto Copley as Ted.
2. Father Stu (June 2022)
From professional boxer to a priest, Father Stu tells the story of Father Stuart Long, a former boxer who, after an injury moved to Los Angeles to find money and fame. The movie starring Mark Wahlberg as Father Stuart, is already out in the US in April but will be releasing internationally some time in June.
3. The Unbreakable Boy (March 2022)
The movie is based on the book of the same name, “The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love”, authored by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory, which is based on a true story.
Both the movie and book tells the story of a young boy with both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism. But what makes him truly unique is his joyous, funny, life-affirming world view that transforms and unites everyone around him. Zachary Levi stars as the father of the young boy, Austin.
4. Aline (April 2022)
The thing about unauthorised biopic is that the biopic was made without the subject’s permission or input so a lot of times, the events in biopics may not even be close to accurate. But this studio carefully wrote in their trailer, “A fiction freely inspired by the life of Celine Dion”.
Whether or not the movie is accurate, you’d still get to see how the fictional character Aline rose to stardom and from the trailer, it looks like you can even enjoy Celine Dion’s music in the movie.
5. Elvis (June 2022)
Who doesn’t know the King of Rock & Roll? An epic biographical musical drama based on the life of Elvis is about to be released later this year. The movie was written and directed by Baz Lurhmann who previously worked on “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge” so there’s a high chance that this movie is gonna be good.
The movie will also focus on the complex relationship between Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler will star as the King of Rock & Roll but we’re not sure if he actually sings in the movie or just lip-sync to the original tracks recorded by Elvis himself.
6. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (December 2022)
Just by the title alone, you already know who this movie is about. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is an upcoming movie based on the life and career of the legendary late Whitney Houston.
The biopic of the singer & actress is set to be released on December 21st, a few days before Christmas this year. Naomi Ackie will be taking the stage starring as the 6-time Grammy Award winning artist, Whitney Houston.
