Is The Future of Cinema at Home?

By Arielle Hall

Warner Brothers has created a “unique one-year plan,” in order to simultaneously air movies in both theatres, and on HBO MAX’s streaming service. The plan was created In light of the struggling movie theater industry, as blockbuster films such as Suicide Squad 2, Dune, and The Matrix 4, are all set to be released later this year.

Like clockwork, people have always filed into theatres, excitedly pressing into the latest film and bonding over the pictures running across the screen. And who can forget about movie popcorn, whose essence has satisfied its patrons for decades, but for how many more? 

A mixture of new and old traditions is taking the place of theatre capitalism. Convenience and comfort has become the new face of the film industry, and instead of weekend blockbusters and packed seats, it is now even more about sharing time with your loved ones. 

Even the pockets of middle class Americans surely emptied by movie expenses have all but grown in surplus with the advent of numerous streaming platforms. In light of the pandemic, streaming provides a chance to bond with family members in the comfort of one’s home, and within their own rules.

From pausing the movie as you please to grabbing as many snacks from the kitchen as possible, this hybrid film tradition is something I am very much looking forward to.