What was better, the book or the movie? It’s a question that has sparked countless debates between book lovers and film enthusiasts for decades. From Walt Disney’s fairy tale adaptations to reimagined versions of contemporary novels like “Fight Club” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, adapting books into movies has been practiced throughout film history. Book-to-film adaptations continue to captivate audiences around the world, bringing together the worlds of literature and cinema. Not every book needs a movie counterpart, but here are a few that I believe would thrive on the big screen.
- “Meet Me in Another Life” by Catriona Silvey
Two strangers, Thora and Santi meet in a foreign city and quickly develop a close connection; but days later a tragic accident cuts their story short. However, they meet again in different timelines and slowly begin to remember each other from their past lives. They realize they must uncover the truth behind their mysterious attachment before their seemingly infinite lives come to an end.
From “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” to “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”, the multiverse has been a hot topic in Hollywood recently. This unique sci-fi concept mixed with aspects of friendship, romance and coming-of-age would reflect beautifully on screen. In 2021, it was announced that Gal Gadot would be producing and starring in the film adaptation of Silvey’s novel. No information has been released since then, so it’s unknown if or when the movie will move forward with production.
- “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle
After the death of her mom, 30-year-old Katy takes a trip to Positano, Italy, a vacation that she and her mother had planned together. Upon arriving, Katy meets a woman in the hotel lobby: her mom, Carol but decades younger. Throughout her time in Italy, Katy gets to see her mom in a way she never did before while discovering hidden truths about the person she once thought she knew everything about.
The magical realism combined with the vivid imagery of the Italian setting made this novel unique and it’d be even more extraordinary on the screen. “Magical realism” is a genre of fiction that takes a realistic setting and combines it with aspects of fantasy. “Edward Scissorhands”, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Ruby Sparks” are just a few of the beautiful films that involve magical realism, and this novel would make a great addition to the list.
- “In Every Mirror She’s Black” by Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Told through the perspectives of three Black women who are adjusting to their new lives in a foreign city, they all seem to be linked to the same influential white man in Stockholm, Sweden. The novel explores themes of racism, immigration, classism and so much more. Luckily, Åkerström is releasing a sequel, “Everything is Not Enough” this October.
From “Parasite” to “Get Out”, films tackling important issues can spark new conversations and drive social change. With its captivating storyline, Åkerström’s novel would translate into a thought-provoking film addressing relevant themes and situations. Due to the novel being told through three different perspectives, it would make for a unique movie allowing audiences to watch the same story unfold from various angles.
- “The First to Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
Two strangers, Orion and Valentino spend a life-changing day together after the creation of Death-Cast, a service that alerts subscribers when they’ll die within the impending 24 hours. This novel is a prequel to Silvera’s well-known novel, “They Both Die at the End” and in 2024 a third novel within this series will be released.
This book takes an emotional coming-of-age story and combines it with a fascinating sci-fi concept, creating a compelling story that allows audiences to question the themes of life and morality. Fortunately, Netflix is currently creating a series adaptation of the first novel, “They Both Die at the End”, but no updates have been made on whether the second novel will be adapted, too.
From magical realism to coming-of-age and everything in between, these are just a few of the many books that deserve a chance to be brought to life on the big screen.
References
Andreeva, N. (2023, January 9). Netflix Lands eOne’s ‘They Both Die At The End’ Series Adaptation From ‘Bridgerton’ Creator Chris Van Dusen With Bad Bunny Executive Producing. Deadline. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://deadline.com/2023/01/they-both-die-at-the-end-netflix-series-chris-van-dusen-bad-bunny-eone-1235213552/
D’Alessandro, A. (2021, April 28). Gal Gadot To Star In ‘Meet Me In Another Life’ & Produce Under Her Pilot Wave Banner With Atlas Entertainment. Deadline. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://deadline.com/2021/04/gal-gadot-meet-me-in-another-life-atlas-entertainment-pilot-wave-jaron-varsano-1234745823/
Ghosh, K. (2023, February 6). Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström is Releasing the Highly Anticipated Follow-Up to In Every Mirror She’s Black in October 2023. Brittle Paper. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://brittlepaper.com/2023/02/lola-akinmade-akerstrom-is-releasing-the-highly-anticipated-follow-up-to-in-every-mirror-shes-black-in-october-2023/
MasterClass. (2021, August 23). What Is Magical Realism? Definition and Examples of Magical Realism in Literature, Plus 7 Magical Realism Novels You Should Read – 2023. MasterClass. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-magical-realism Mendez, M. (2022, September 27). Adam Silvera on the Prequel to ‘They Both Die at the End’. Time. Retrieved September 22, 2023, from https://time.com/6217417/adam-silvera-the-first-to-die-at-the-end-interview/