This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Mia Aponte. Find her on Instagram at @mia.aponte. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
From wearing only pink to the movie theaters to belting Taylor Swift from the top of our lungs, movie theaters have become a space for everyone to enjoy again. Post-pandemic, the thought of going into an enclosed space where you’re surrounded by people you have never met, not knowing if people are sick or not was scary to a lot of people. But now, from Barbie, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Priscilla, Anyone But You, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, and Mean Girls (just to name a few), more people have gravitated back to the love of movie theaters.
And they all have one thing in common. Women.
So the question is… are the movie theaters coming back?
While there have been a few movies like Openehiemer that brought in revenue, it has been quite unmatched to the level of the movies I have mentioned. In addition to a $1.4 billion sales revenue, Barbie created merchandise such as apparel, dolls, and even reusable cups with the giant B for movie-goers to purchase in theaters. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour topped $230 million, taking the #2 spot at the weekend box office with $13.6 million. Regardless of the promotional tie-ins and endorsements, fans have been showing up in groups dressing up as different T.S. eras, belting songs word-for-word to the top of their lungs. Thus, making new memories to cherish and reinforcing the timeless bond between cinema and the audience.
Film is a celebration of emotion and the enduring connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space. The emotional impact of film lies in its ability to evoke profound feelings, transporting audiences into diverse worlds and narratives that resonate with the human experience. And these movies in particular are no different.
I think a big reason why women have saved the movie theaters is because these movies have truly emphasized girlhood. From the outside looking in, it may not make sense, but as a woman, these movies truly moved and captivated me in ways I could never fully articulate, resonating with my own experiences and emotions, fostering a sense of representation and empowerment on the big screen.
For example, in America Ferrera’s two-and-a-half minute speech, her character Gloria tells Barbie all about the impossible tasks that women face alongside all their contradicting expectations. “You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time.” These are some of the silent remarks that women face every day just to meet societal standards. She concludes by saying how it is quite impossible to be a woman.
By giving this creative platform for women to share their experiences, there is no surprise that these movies have gravitated more female audiences to the big screen. This diversity enhances the overall cinematic experience, providing a broader representation of women’s experiences. Not to mention, the portrayal of strong, complex female characters has become more prominent in films. This shift challenges traditional stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive and empowering cinematic environment for women and girls.
Overall, women have played a crucial role in shaping the contemporary movie theater experience by bringing fresh perspectives, challenging stereotypes, and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape. Now that award season is upon us, I hope more female filmmakers and actors will hopefully receive the recognition that they truly deserve. This acknowledgment will help to continue to break barriers and open doors for future generations of women in film.
So, are movie theaters coming back? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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