Streaming platforms have transformed the way we consume movies. With the convenience of watching films from the comfort of our homes, it seemed like a dream come true. However, as the romantic comedy genre takes a hit and indie films disappear into the streaming abyss, we must question whether our relationship with streaming has become a form of Stockholm Syndrome.
The Rise and Fall of the Rom-Com
Once considered a dying genre, romantic comedies made a surprising comeback through the sleeper hit “Anyone but You.” This film captivated audiences with its refreshing take on love and the struggles that come with it. Yet, amidst the triumph of this rom-com, we must acknowledge the bigger issue at hand: why did the rom-com genre slip away in the first place?
The answer lies in the rise of streaming platforms. As the popularity of cheesy made-for-streaming rom-coms grew, studios saw an opportunity to produce low-cost films that appealed to younger viewers. It seemed like a win-win situation. However, as the pandemic showed its true colors, we realized that the glory of the streaming world had been oversold.
The Deceptive Allure of Streaming
Streaming platforms were marketed as the panacea to all our movie-related problems. Who needs movie theaters when you can enjoy films from the comfort of your living room? But in hindsight, we see that our relationship with streaming was slowly turning into a form of Stockholm Syndrome.
While streaming provides convenience, it fails to capture the electric atmosphere of watching a film in a theater. “Anyone but You” may be a synthetic romance, but it delivered an experience that cannot be replicated at home. The laughter, tears, and shared moments with a like-minded audience create an irreplaceable magic.
Indie Films Lost in the Bermuda Triangle
The impact of streaming is not limited to rom-coms but extends to the indie film industry as well. Take, for example, “Hit Man,” a festival sensation with promising potential. Despite being bought by Netflix for a significant sum, it will never grace the silver screen. Instead, it will be another casualty of the streaming ocean, disappearing into obscurity.
This phenomenon is not new. Last year, two Sundance hits, “Fair Play” and “Flora and Son,” were also bought by streaming platforms and failed to generate any substantial buzz. How many more films must meet the same fate before the industry realizes that the streaming revolution is harming the future of cinema?
The Power of Theatrical Release
When two blockbuster movies released simultaneously in theaters and achieved unprecedented success, it marked a turning point for the future of movies. These films became a cultural, artistic, and financial phenomenon, shaping the perception of what movies mean to people.
On an indie level, the impact may not be as grand, but it can still be significant. A film like “Hit Man” had a chance to make a mark, but that opportunity was stolen by streaming. If it had premiered in theaters, its success would have signaled audience enthusiasm and reinforced the importance of movies on the big screen.
The Perils of Streaming Dominance
Even as bidding wars heat up for potential breakout films, streamers continue to snatch them away. Documentaries like “Will & Harper” and “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” possess immense audience potential but end up as streaming deals. These films deserve to be experienced in packed theaters, yet they are confined to the boundaries of our homes.
The streaming giants, with their vast resources, can outbid anyone, leaving little room for theatrical-release companies to compete. But we must ask ourselves: What do these streamers truly want? Are they genuinely interested in serving the audience, or do they aim to control the narrative by monopolizing potential indie hits?
Rethinking the Influence of Streaming
Four years ago, streaming was hailed as the savior of our entertainment society. However, the reality is starting to unveil itself. We must not allow the genuine advantages of streaming to blind us to the fact that it is gradually suffocating the life out of cinema. We must break free from the Stockholm Syndrome and reclaim the magic of the big screen.
Source link: F5mag.com