The week before things closed, Sean and I went to the theatre to see a movie that had smart dialogue and would have been entertaining and recommended if not for an unimaginative scene of violence against a woman. That was the last time I was in a movie theatre.
Instead, I want to think about the penultimate time, which more than once I have accidentally called the last time since it was a far better experience.
The week before, I wanted to take myself out on a date. I really wanted to see The Photograph with Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield. One of the theatres showing the movie was a close walk to my house and I had never been there before.
ArcLigh Cinema.
It was an upscale space with like couches and large bar in the lobby and self-ordering on computers.
For a few minutes, I thought I was the only person in the entire movie theatre except the workers but I did see a few other moviegoers there.
It was peaceful, so quiet as I moved around. Everything looked so new that it almost seemed like it would break. There is no way for me to know this but I was sure no had ever even been in the bathroom stall that I used. That’s how new it looked.
I was the only one watching the movie. It had been a loooooong time since I had been the only person in the movie theatre. There have been several times over the years where I was one of maybe three or five or ten. But the only one? The last time I remember that happening was in college during a very strange movie. I can’t remember the title but Asia Argento was in it.
Anyways, back to Issa and LaKeith.
Buttery popcorn in hand, I sat down ready to take in a movie by myself, all alone in the room. I had a seat number, which I kept, but it wasn’t necessary since no one joined me.
A movie just for me.
And I was not disappointed.
It was such a stellar romantic movie. Beautiful shots, interesting dialogue, majestic music. The director, Stella Meghie, has not disappointed me yet. I haven’t seen her talk or read anything she’s said about her career. But I have watched the four movies I know she has directed (there may be more). It is clear that she is on a mission to tell stories about Black women that are not overcomplicated but encompass full humanity, excellence, beauty, intelligence, humor, and grace. So far, no historical romances, nothing supernatural–just modern women navigating love in our world.
Now, if you know me, you know I love all kinds of stories. Nothing against fantasy and especially nothing against science fiction.
But I have just felt so moved by how her stories are capturing moments in the now without sensational additions.
I laughed. I cried. I sighed with just really appreciating see this beautiful story of Black love. Even the climax, the moment of tension in the story, was not overly dramatic.
I just appreciated that. Without knowing all of the drama was soon going to unfold.
There have been several times since March when I have missed the “way things used to be.”
A lot of the way things used to be needs to change, so I remind myself of that.
But I also remind myself of the many times that I did know how grateful I was to be alive and healthy and just taking time to myself in any moment.
Like when I saw this movie.
Since it may be a while before I walk into a movie theatre or stroll around a museum, I replicate those moments as much as I can at home when I maybe pour a glass of wine, hide my phone, light a candle and watch some uninterrupted. Or intentionally plan a long walk filled with uplifting music or a podcast I enjoy and make sure I walk by my favorite outdoor displays.
I look forward to future dates with myself, however they come.
