Community Care | Connecting with Stories

Choosing between two imperfect options can feel discouraging. In fact, situations where every choice feels like a bad one are often described as a “moral tragedy.” If you’re feeling the weight of that right now, you’re not alone. We’re hearing from many colleagues grappling with the same feelings. 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is momentarily step away from policy and connect with stories about people bravely navigating the tough decisions life throws at us. If you need a recommendation, try one of these films or series. 

On the serious and reflective side: 

• Arrival (2016) —  Explores the complexity of making a profound personal choice, knowing the outcome will bring both immense joy and inevitable heartbreak. 
• One Battle After Another (2025) — A look at the relentless nature of fighting for what’s right, passed down from one generation to the next. 
• Train Dreams (2025) — A beautifully filmed story set in the rapidly changing American West that explores how a seemingly mundane, ordinary choice can alter the rest of a person's life.
• RRR (2022) — An epic tale of friendship, resistance, and the moral tension of working within an oppressive system to protect your community.

On the lighter side: 

• Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2026) — A science-fiction setting that holds up a mirror to help evaluate our own moral character in the face of tough, galaxy impacting decisions.
• Inside Out (2015) — A colorful Pixar story about navigating sudden, life-changing disruption and the complex, difficult emotions you must embrace to move forward.
• Paddington 2 (2017) — A feel-good film about holding onto your core values (like kindness and empathy), even when the system feels stacked against you.
• The Princess Bride (1987) — A timeless adventure touching on themes of bravery, fairness, and doing what’s right against all odds.

This blog post content was originally included in our community newsletter: The Moment -- where we respond quickly and thoughtfully to impactful events and decisions that challenge or disrupt our profession.