Are Cinemas Relevant Today?

(Source)

Like many others back when Circuit Breaker was in place, I relied on streaming services as a form of media consumption. It was not a far substitute for watching in the cinemas back then. After all, I did get to save money since streaming services offer a lot more variety at a fixed price. Now, three years later, I find myself heading down to the cinemas again, watching films like Deadpool & Wolverine or Inside Out 2 when it just released. I started to question why these two services, which appear to offer the same product, were not as similar as I had previously thought. Through looking back at my experiences of watching films in cinemas, I hope to provide reasons why these platforms are still relevant today and perhaps motivate more of you to head down as well!

1. As A Social Activity

To start, an advantage of movie-watching in theatres would be the social connection they offer. This social connection I am referring to extends beyond friends and families. I am referring to the connection with the larger community. Being able to watch a good (or bad) film in a theatre full of people creates a kind of joy that is hard to replicate when streaming the show online at home.

“Infinity War hits different when the entire cinema collectively gasped after Captain America held Mjolnir” – a Marvel fan

The impact of movies is so much better when you hear the reactions of people or other fans who enjoy and are just as excited about the film as you are. This greater connection to the larger community is something which cannot be accomplished at home, but rather through public cinema. I mean, just look at the #BarbenHeimer phenomenon where people rushed to watch both films together. It was so fun looking at how different people dressed in pink for Barbie and then changed to black for Oppie to match the themes of each film. Such a cultural phenomenon could not have been the same or even possible if these events had occurred at home. Rather, it is through visible, open social spaces like cinemas, where people can observe and recreate what they see (ie dressing up on the themes). These physical platforms can facilitate the manifestation of trends or, in this case, a temporary fad (Medium, 2019). Through the collective behaviours and trends made more feasible within these spaces, people can feel connected to the larger community, further showing how cinemas can remain relevant.

(Source)

2. To Be Utterly Immersed

Additionally, cinemas provide an immersive experience that is difficult to replicate at home. With the only light shining from the big screen and the sounds coming from the powerful speakers scattered around, it is easy to get sucked into the world of the film.

Being able to watch Jurassic World when it was released in the cinemas definitely created a different experience from watching it present time on YouTube. The iconic battle between the T-rex and the Indominus-rex was so much more enthralling on the big screen. The sheer force and impact of each move could be felt from my seat, the screams of the dinosaurs were able to send shivers down my spine, and the feelings of suspense, panic and fear watching the main characters run for their lives were amplified by the sounds and lights of the theatre. It was such a sight to behold that it would just not have the same effect if I watched it at home on TV.

It also helps the audience feel more connected to the actors on screen, allowing them to relate to the feelings, struggles, and emotions the character is facing. This is especially effective in invoking some tears during sad scenes.

“Maybe that’s what happens when you grow up,

you just start to feel less joy”

Remember this quote from Joy in Inside Out 2? It was absolutely soul-crushing when I first heard it on screen, and, frankly, I teared up a little. Such a comment would have likely slipped past me or not impacted me as much if I had watched the film on my phone. It goes to show how the ambience of the theatre can encourage the audience to empathise with the characters and the sad realisation of the consequence of maturity. The lack of distraction from the outside world coupled with the high quality of visuals and sounds allows cinema-goers to be completely immersed in the film, with a greater emotional intensity watching it. This creates an experience of film that is vastly different and nearly impossible to replicate through online means and at home.

3. To Escape…

Heading to movie theatres to catch a film can be a pleasant escape from the everyday. When you are in the cinemas, you would likely be forced to block off the constant notifications from your phones and the stressful reminders of your many commitments. The darkness of the theatre, with the only light emitting from the big screen, also contributes to the lack of distractions from the movie-watching experience. Moreover, you would likely be more incentivised to focus on watching the film in the theatres since you have paid for the service and cannot replay it (unless you pay to watch it again). The lack of disturbances and your undivided attention on the film sets watching movies in theatres from streaming on Netflix or Hulu apart, during which one may be less inclined to turn on “Do Not Disturb”.

On the other end of the spectrum (aka if you are bored and looking for something to do), heading to the movies can be a brilliant idea to kill time. It is not too energy-taxing like hiking, but not too uneventful like spending another day at home. It can be a relaxing date idea or a chill bonding session with your friends. This excuse to get out of the house is not restricted to conventional theatres as well. Open-aired and free movie screenings in communal spaces like Our Tampines Hub also offer movies without the commitment of having to watch their entirety. The Projector also has a unique, retro theme to the space while providing more niche, indie films, allowing for an experience that you may not get at home.

(Source)

Recently, there has been a greater call for cinemas to leverage the unique experiences of movie-watching (Loh, 2024). By emphasising what streaming services lack, people are less likely to perceive both as substitutes. This makes heading to the cinemas all the more special — viewing the process as more than just watching a movie, but rather an experience. This again implies how the experiences from cinemas are a form of differentiation, separating them from streaming at home, which makes a more meaningful trip to the cinema as a space to escape reality or to relax.

4. To Show Support

Lastly, cinemas are the prime platform to watch a film immediately when it is first released. This is especially meaningful for fans of the movie or the actors involved who have waited in anticipation for a long time. I recalled the rush to watch Avengers Endgame when it was first released, both in excitement to discover its ending and in fear of being spoiled by online trolls on social media. The cinema I entered was packed with avid fans. When movies are bigger hits, it tends to take longer to release them on online streaming sites (Williams, 2024). For a fan, tired of waiting, watching the film in theatres is a simple solution to their problems.

Now What?

With the fast-paced of living today, watching a film in the cinema is a luxury not many can afford and streaming services offer a quick and easy solution. While they pose competition with cinema services in vying for viewership from patrons, the social, cultural, and immersive experiences that theatres offer and distinguish themselves from streaming services can be valuable to the people. The cinema industry may struggle with adapting to the ever-changing scene and demands of society, but remains relevant to many. With all that said, would you go to the cinema?