Popcorn, Pensioners & Plot Twists
My solo cinema date experience
Earlier this year, I went on my first solo trip to the cinema…ever. Now, I love the cinema and I go as often as I can when a movie comes out. But I always go with others because I always felt like it enhances the experience. You get scared together, laugh together, then discuss together. It just makes sense. However, when I turned 21 last December, I made a list of 21 things I will do as a 21 year old. One of those things was to go on 21 dates in the year. This is different from going out by yourself. It is more intentional. You can go somewhere with a friend, but a date is more special. There is an intention to learn more about the person but also enjoy the time spent together. Allow me to share how my first solo date at the cinema went.
Arriving
I kind of cheated a bit because I actually came to the mall with my sister because she also wanted to have a solo movie date - we were watching different movies. So the getting here wasn’t too bad. Either way, I wouldn’t be too fussed about this stage since I can do a 24 hour journey as long as I have music and a good book.
My movie started earlier, so I made my way to the cinema alone and my date began.
As I queued up, I made the decision that I was going to go all out on the snacks - this Barbie was hungry, so I wanted to treat myself on this date. The only issue is I forgot that I had to carry it all on my own. Balancing the popcorn in one arm, the slush in the other, a hot dog in one hand, and a packet of sweets in the other. If I was with a friend, I could share the guilt, but alone, I got some looks.
At the movie
I somehow managed to show my ticket to the workers there and arrived at my cinema screen after losing a few popcorns on the way. I was watching the Bob Dylan movie with Timothée Chalamet (I was reminded about this day out since the movie is now available on Disney+).
I chose this movie in particular because I knew nothing about Bob Dylan. At all. I didn’t listen to his music, I didn’t listen to folk music, this was completely new ground to me. And I liked that. Before the movie, I had watched many interviews describing the making of this film, which further encouraged my decision. I thought to myself, if I’m going to go out of my comfort zone, I might as well go all the way and learn something new.
The cinema room was full of seniors, and I mean full. I am not even exaggerating, I was the only person there that didn’t have white hair. And I also loved that. Doing new things lets you meet new people, step out of the echo chamber that you’re used to.
I like to think of myself as an introvert who does extroverted things. Like talking to strangers. From doing vox pops, I have gotten used to starting conversations with random people (all with safe measures, of course), but being in a cinema room alone felt different. The whole experience was just a moment for my inner thoughts to run wild as I created space for them. But with all the conversations I had going on in my mind, I didn’t have time to talk to others. Which is fine. A solo date should really be a moment to spend with yourself; you wouldn’t leave a date to talk to a stranger, right?
The movie was over 2 hours, so I really had time to relax and just be. In this sense, I think the cinema is a perfect first solo date because it’s just about you. The lights are off, you have your snacks, and you’re just focusing on one thing. (This is also the same reason why cinemas are a horrible idea for a first date, in my opinion).
I like to watch the credits scene for movies; it just seems like the respectable thing to do. There are so many minds that go into the creation of a single project, and the credits scene of a movie is the perfect example of that.
So I sat for a bit. What I didn’t expect was for all the audience to begin singing along to the closing soundtrack. I felt like I was in a private concert with the original Bob Dylan fans. I didn’t know the words, so I just sat and smiled. I felt quite privileged to be part of that moment where real Bob Dylan fans could almost relive the glory days of his rise to fame. Though their hair was white and their steps slowed, I’m sure as they sang, they were 20 years old again at a Folk music festival with their friends, belting the top tracks of their time.
After the movie
Before the movie, I spent the time feeling self conscious and awkward. During the movie, I was allowing myself to just exist for a bit. It was after a uni submission, and I really just wanted to relax. After the movie, I spent time reflecting. My sister’s movie still had another 30 mins, so I sat and wrote down all the thoughts that came to mind. They started about the movie, what I liked about it, things I learnt. Then my thoughts progressed to a reflection of the whole experience. That was probably the most important part of the whole experience. The part where I got to talk to myself.
When I go on my next solo date, I might fill you guys in on the experience, so make sure to subscribe below via email for updates on the next blog article upload.
