Finding Joy In The Darkness Of The Cinema

I love the cinema. With a friend, a partner, a family day out or a solo date, there is something quite magical about transporting into another world to be immersed into a film for three hours. Don’t get me wrong watching films at home is cosy and just as enjoyable, but the occasional cinema trip, in my opinion, portrays the film in a better light.

Watching a film unfold on the big screen in complete darkness, with no distractions, can really transform the way a film is perceived. Admittedly, my mind tends to wonder at the best of times, so I really do appreciate the time where I can fully switch off and dedicate all my attention to the film within the cinema. I have realised that I value a film more because I have seen it on the big screen; it feels so much more exciting and immersive. Watching more films in both the cinema and at home is a 2026 goal of mine as I discover my love for the cinema.

As I have grown older and watched a wider range of films, I feel myself diving deeper into films, asking myself; were there any hidden meanings, questioning the music choice (music choice within a film plays a big part as to whether I connect with a film or not), what hidden symbolic moments did I miss? I take time to reflect after the film and is one of my favourite aspects of the cinema. As an example, my boyfriend is a huge film lover, so I appreciate reflecting with him and discussing our own angles and perspectives. We all view things through our own lens, and films are no different. Maybe we see ourselves in the story, or maybe we connect with a character through their journey. Either way, the way a film can resonate with us is something truly beautiful.

There’s nothing quite like leaving the cinema feeling completely in awe of what you’ve just witnessed. Some films spark fascinating conversations afterwards, like Hamnet for me, it was perfect, so beautifully crafted, and all I wanted to do was to analyse every single second.

Although not every film gets a 5/5 from me, but over the last couple of years, I’ve been blown away by just how well made so many films have been. Is it just me, or does it feel like the standard of filmmaking is getting higher and higher? Or maybe I’m simply starting to truly appreciate the art of film.

Marty Supreme, Sinners (absolutely deserving of all the Oscar buzz it’s receiving), Hamnet, Wicked, One Battle After Another and Wake Up Dead Man (Knives Out), are some of the recent films released that I have rated highly. Of course I am excited for Wuthering Heights released in February, especially after Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. Letterboxd is currently overflowing with reviews as all these incredible films being released!

The rest of 2026 promises even more exciting films, including Dune: Part 3, The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Focker-In-Law starring Ariana Grande, Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. And that’s just a handful; there are plenty of other amazing films to come.

However, as excited as I am to see Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie on our screens soon, I am still completely hung up on Jessie Buckley's INCREDIBLE, breathtaking performance in Hamnet. I saw this two weeks ago and still am in awe and continue to be moved by the whole experience.

The best way I can describe it; a gorgeously heartbreaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s life (played brilliantly by Paul Mescal), focusing on a tragic event within the family; and the effect it has on him, Agnes (his wife) and his children, revealing how they each deal with the tragedy.

If you are yet to see this, I really really couldn’t encourage you enough. The film was so beautifully crafted, full of symbolic, thoughtful moments that connect Shakespeare’s era to the 21^st Century. Sometimes when a period was so distant, someone like Shakespeare can almost seem fictional, but this film allowed me to realise he was a man trying to find his way life, in his career, navigate family life and was coping with real life struggles.

I have been savouring all the behind the scenes and interviews of the cast and director of Hamnet. It is beautiful to see Chloé Zhao’s thought process and how the actors created such powerful, lingering moments. I really do recommend doing this after watching a film, it just provides you with a different, deeper understanding and connection.

I felt inspired to focus this month’s blog post (and the first one of 2026!) about films because for so many of us, they can hold incredible meaning and power, and that felt like something to recognise. They offer a brief moment to escape from the heavier moments in life. I encourage you to see what’s on at your local cinema and treat yourself to a few distraction free hours to reflect, escape and find joy in the darkness of the cinema!

Written By Alice Abel