Self isolation feels like ‘Groundhog Day’

Popular movie to watch during the shelter-in-place

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Fair use from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Phil Connors (Bill Murray) sits next to Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) on his bed as she wonders what will happen to them the next day. Earlier in the day, Phil tells Rita that he’s lived this day already and she wants to understand why it only effects Phil.

Anna Benishek

After being in self isolation quarantine for a couple of weeks, everyday feels like I’ve been reliving the same day over and over again. The popularity of the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” has increased since most of the country has been staying home.  

“Groundhog Day” follows Phil Connors (Bill Murray), an egocentric weatherman who works at the local Pittsburgh TV station. Phil has to travel with two of his co-workers, Larry (Chris Elliot) and Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover Groundhog Day, however, Phil dreads going because he believes it’s a waste of time. After staying in Punxsutawney for the day, he rushes to drive back, but gets stuck in a blizzard. Phil is forced to stay in the town, but the next day, he wakes up and it’s Groundhog Day again. 

Bill Murray did a great job playing Phil. From the first scene it was obvious that he was self-centered since he insulted his co-workers and claimed there were other networks interested in him. Throughout the film, he lightened up and had a very humorous tone. Andie MacDowell also did an amazing job playing Rita. She was an even-keeled character that was constantly kind, compassionate and thoughtful. She brought an array of hope to Bill Murray’s character.   

The plot of the film has a great creative direction because it shows how Phil has to change his attitude to be able to move on with his life. In addition to this, changing his behavior will have a good outcome for him in the end. “Groundhog Day” is different from any movie I’ve seen before because of its unique plot of the same day repeating itself over and over again. The film has inspired many other films to use this same concept like “Happy Death Day” and “Before I fall”.

Overall, the movie was a great rom-com. Bill Murray kept me laughing constantly throughout the film. His funny and sarcastic character makes him even more hilarious. Watching him over time, each day he becomes less of a selfish person. The film also had the perfect balance of romance and comedy. As Phil slowly gets to know Rita he starts to fall in love with her. Films today tend to be overdramatic with the ‘love at first sight’ aspect for the romance, but I think “Groundhog Day” accomplished it very well.

The film is an excellent feel-good for people of any age to enjoy. I would highly recommend this movie during quarantine. If you’re bored and finished binging all of your TV shows, this is the next movie to put on your watch list.

“Groundhog Day”: ★★★★★