Moviegoers find solace in cinema amid election chaos

Escaping reality with the big screen

It’s mid-afternoon on Election Day, and many Americans are seeking a much-needed escape from the intense political atmosphere. In Manhattan, Hana Slevin has chosen to spend her afternoon at AMC Lincoln Square, deliberately avoiding news and social media.

“I’m going to treat myself and not look at the news or social media,” says Slevin, preparing to watch A Real Pain, a comedic drama starring Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg. “I keep going back and forth between wanting to be hopeful and fearing another letdown like in 2016. That’s why I’m distracting myself all day.”

A national trend of cinematic escapism

Slevin’s strategy isn’t unique. Across the country, countless individuals are turning to movies to evade the relentless election coverage. From the latest superhero sequel, Venom: The Last Dance, to the courtroom drama Juror #2, theaters offer a sanctuary from the media-driven anxiety.

Cinema has long been a refuge during turbulent times, and this election—one of the most contentious in recent history—has driven many to seek solace in the form of popcorn and a darkened theater.

Seeking distraction through film

Chris Griggs, a comedian from New York, shared his thoughts after watching Juror #2.

“I wanted to get my mind off the election,” Griggs admits. “The Clint Eastwood film seemed fitting since it’s about the justice system. It was a brief escape.”

Michael Larson from Los Angeles also sought a temporary distraction, opting for a matinee screening after voting.

“We need a break before the storm,” says Larson. “Results won’t be coming in until later tonight, so it’s nice to disconnect and escape into a movie.”

Larson’s brother, James, was also drawn to Juror #2 for its thematic relevance.

“It’s about justice, stirring up our civic concerns about how the system works or fails.”

Movie theater attendance on the rise

While theaters in Los Angeles and New York weren’t packed, they were notably busier than a typical Tuesday afternoon. Many took advantage of Election Day to unwind and distract themselves.

Brandon and Melissa, both 31 from Manhattan, are avid moviegoers who make it a tradition to watch Oscar contenders.

“Watching movies is our hobby. We had time to do something fun, so we chose to see A Real Pain,” says Melissa.

John Grant, 70, chose the same film but had a different reason.

“During the 2020 election, I couldn’t leave the couch due to the pandemic. I wanted to experience a movie in a theater again and forget the current realities,” he shares.

Finding peace in fictional realms

For Angeleno Danny Casillas, Venom: The Last Dance was the perfect escape.

“Given that the outcome won’t be finalized today, I’m choosing to disappear into a movie for a few hours,” says Casillas. “Tom Hardy as a razor-fanged symbiote might be the perfect antidote to the election day blues.”

The therapeutic power of film

Movies have always had the power to transport, distract, and provide solace during challenging times. As America navigates through another contentious election, the big screen offers a brief but valuable reprieve from the real world.

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