I went to the movies ALONE
Transformers One came out on Friday and I saw it opening night at a local drive in with my dad; but I knew I wanted to see it in a theatre as well so I could pay more attention to the details in the animation and sound.
Unfortunately for me, my mom is uninterested, my dad is not the type of guy to watch the same movie twice in less than a month, and all my friends live 3+ hours away from me— so I was stuck going on my own.
Originally I had told myself I would do it on Sunday, but I talked myself out of it and ended up not going. So Monday morning, while I still had the courage, I bought the ticket for after work so I couldn’t back out.
However, being a Monday night now that school’s started meant this was going to be a pretty empty theatre… and empty it was!
Not a soul in sight, and honestly it definitely had me a little embarrassed lol. As a society we put a lot of focus on doing things with other people— something as simple and honestly individualized as seeing a movie is often thought of as an event. You have to invite someone to enjoy the movie with you. So checking in and walking past all the workers and then going to sit TOTALLY ALONE in a theatre (for a movie that the average person would probably think was a little below my age range no less) was honestly kind of stressful.
I’m not quite sure how I felt about the experience— I love Transformers One so I was happy to go watch it again (especially after a crumby day at work) but entering and exiting the theatre definitely put my little over thinking brain into overdrive. The duration of the movie was quite nice— I liked that there were no distractions and I got to pick the perfect seat to appreciate the whole screen and the surround sound from. But even then during the movie whoever was working the booth coughed and I thought to myself “ohhhhh this is so awkward isn’t it” LOL.
I think going to the movies alone is something everyone should try once to see if they like it to be honest. Would I do it again? Maybe during a time I knew the theatre would be more populated so I could feel less out of place.
But hey; I definitely recommend Transformers One, so maybe you can take a little you time to go to the theatre by yourself and check it out haha
#movietheater #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #Lemon8Diary #transformers
After my first solo cinema experience, I realized it's a journey many of us hesitate to embark on. That feeling of 'walking my socially anxious ass out of there' is so real when you're doing something traditionally social by yourself! We're so conditioned to think a movie outing is a group event. Seeing an empty mall or an empty theater, or even just walking in alone, can feel like you're breaking an unwritten rule, leading to those self-conscious thoughts. But let me tell you, there's an unexpected magic to it. Imagine this: you get to choose the exact movie poster that speaks to your soul, without any debate about genre or showtimes. No compromising your viewing pleasure for someone else's taste. You pick your perfect seat – not too close, not too far, right in the sweet spot for sound and vision. For my Transformers One viewing, it meant I could truly appreciate every detailed movie scene and the surround sound without any whispered conversations or phone flickers from my companions. It's truly just you and the film. Overcoming that initial social anxiety is the biggest hurdle. So, how can you make your first solo cinema experience more enjoyable? Here are a few tips: Choose Your Moment: If the idea of an empty theater makes you more comfortable, try a matinee or a weekday evening, just like I did. If you prefer the anonymity of a crowd, go for a popular Friday or Saturday night showing. The point is, you get to decide what feels best for you. Pick YOUR Movie: Seriously, choose a film you've been dying to see. This makes the entire solo cinema experience feel like a special treat for yourself, rather than just an obligation. Whether it's the next blockbuster or an indie film, let your personal interest guide you. Embrace the Freedom: Fancy a huge bucket of popcorn all to yourself? Go for it! Need to stretch your legs during a long movie scene? No one's judging. This is your time, your space. Think of it as a self-care ritual. Before/After Ritual: Extend the self-care. Maybe grab a coffee beforehand, or enjoy a quiet meal after. The OCR mentioned seeing a 'Sonic 3' movie poster – perhaps you spot another film you'd love to explore. This turns the cinema trip into a more holistic personal adventure, not just a quick dash in and out. Ultimately, a solo cinema experience isn't about being lonely; it's about enjoying your own company and indulging in a passion without external pressures. It's a chance to truly immerse yourself in the story unfolding on the screen, reflecting on each movie scene at your own pace. Don't let societal expectations hold you back from discovering this surprisingly liberating and enriching experience. So next time you see a compelling movie poster for a film you're curious about, why not take yourself on that solo adventure?