A Sanctuary in the Solitary: Why It’s Okay to go to The Cinema by Yourself

Despite what the tech giants at Apple and Facebook may tell you about connectivity, preaching regular social interaction with your fellow humans, it’s okay to be alone sometimes. Not that I advocate full disconnection from friends, family or, indeed, social media, but a bit of self-love never went a miss.

Now, before you pull a muscle trying to achieve such zen solitude by going on a 10k run or going to that spinning class on a Tuesday evening at your local gym, start small. Think film. Think evening showing of that arthouse film that isn’t quite to your friends’ liking. Think the latest Marvel flick that you’re guaranteed to be labelled a nerd for knowing ninety per cent of the cast. More simply, think cinema.

Granted, my bias is clear; I’m sure you can achieve such happiness from exercising by yourself, but perhaps the most attractive thing about attending the cinema alone is that you’re independent of your own artistic interests. No longer must you hedge your description of a film in the hope of attracting your friends to come to see it with you. No longer must you compromise with others to see a film that doesn’t interest you. Hold yourself responsible for your viewing and a sense of freedom will follow.

The first time is the hardest, they say. But also the most fun and most exhilarating. As you enter that screen by yourself, looking at all the happily wedded couples who surround you or that family of five with the copious amounts of popcorn, ask yourself, “does anyone actually care that I’m here alone?”. Most likely not. As the lights darken and the screen ignites with film, you’re plunged into a level playing ground with those around you. Everyone is sharing the experience without judgement.

Then again, maybe you have friends who are willing to sit through that new three-hour Russian biblical epic with you. Great! Think of solo cinema trips less as a compulsory weekly activity, but more of a state of mind. Free yourself to the possibility of doing something because it makes you happy and, hey, you might even see a good film along the way.

Photo by me: Tyneside cinema, Newcastle.