When friends or colleagues see a movie before I do, I now ask, “Does it feel like a genuine movie?” instead of “Is it good?”
Everyone understands the question, even if we can’t define it precisely. Streaming’s growth has diminished both the experience of going to the cinema and the intangible qualities that traditionally define a film. I’ve lost count of how many times people have said, “There’s so much to stream now, I’d rather stay home.”
Even though theatrical releases seem to be declining, movies aren’t. Young people and experienced filmmakers still want to create them. What attracts them—and us—to this art form? What distinguishes authentic films from those that are merely “content”? This is uncharted territory. Examining recent theatrical and streaming releases may help us understand what makes a film feel like a true movie today.
Does a film need to be entirely original? James Hawes’ , starring Rami Malek as a reserved CIA agent seeking revenge for his wife’s death, is based on a 1981 Robert Littell novel that has been adapted before. Yet, it possesses a satisfying quality that feels right for the big screen. Set in vibrant locations like London and Paris, the direction has a confident power. In the 1990s, we enjoyed sophisticated action thrillers like this frequently; now, seeing a film like The Amateur in a theater evokes a sense of loss. It feels like a forgotten indulgence.
A film doesn’t necessarily need a theatrical release to feel authentic. The conviction of the filmmaker or actors, or both, may be the key factor—it’s a matter of instinct. Netflix has financed excellent films, such as and . However, the Netflix Original The Electric State, a retro-futuristic fantasy by the Russo Brothers, released exclusively via streaming in mid-March, is both careless and extravagant. Netflix invested around $300 million in it, but even with its robot-focused special effects, it barely feels worthy of any screen. But a direct-to-streaming release isn’t always the opposite of cinema. FX’s series Shogun offers the kind of visual grandeur usually reserved for movies. For dedicated moviegoers, cinematic TV can fill the void when movies disappoint.
What about surprise hit movies? Are they successful because they’re entertaining and well-made, or is there something more to it? Lawrence Lamont’s raunchy comedy —starring Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends scrambling to find $1500 for rent—debuted in January and remained in theaters for over two months before moving to Netflix in early April. Audiences loved it. The film is also enjoyable on a smaller screen and remains humorous even when viewed alone. Conversely, consider Patricia Riggen’s action-adventure , from Amazon MGM Studios. Viola Davis plays the U.S. President, a war veteran who must use her combat skills when crypto-terrorists attack the G20 Summit in South Africa. While the film was released via streaming on April 10, Amazon screened it for select audiences a few days prior, which is how I saw it. I can’t imagine enjoying this enthusiastically made but somewhat awkward picture in my living room. However, watching Davis, a phenomenal actress rarely given the chance to cut loose, hit a villain with a frying pan was a thrill. The audience went wild, and so did I. Sometimes, the presence of other viewers can elevate a film.
Movie-movies don’t have to be lavish or pricey. Earlier this year, Steven Soderbergh released , a subtle and compelling supernatural thriller made for about $2 million. Soderbergh’s stylish spy caper released a few months later, cost significantly more (around $50 million) and didn’t recoup its budget at the box office—but that doesn’t reflect its quality. The movie gods can be unfair.
Despite the year being young, we’ve already seen a quintessential movie. Ryan Coogler’s embodies everything a great mainstream film should be, and its box-office success proves it. Sinners is visually stunning and explores themes of race and community without being burdened by them. It features a major star, Michael B. Jordan, and an incredible newcomer, Miles Caton, as a blues prodigy who encounters the supernatural. It’s about vampires—bloody, ruthless, and charismatic. There’s music, steamy sex, and artfully presented gore. Sinners leaves you with a sense of having truly seen something. You witness what a filmmaker can achieve with vision, a camera, and a talented cast and crew. More importantly, you become part of the almost magical connection between the filmmaker and the audience. In the moviegoing experience, you are the essential element. No film is complete without you.