How To Brave The Cinema Solo?

You have come to my blog for a reason, you have a love of going to the cinema but have you tried the ultimate cinema experience - and gone on your own? I know it can sound scary and maybe lonely but trust me, once you have done it, the fear will go and you no longer have to wait for others to enjoy the films you want to see. 

If you had told that shy, timid young girl who went to see The Force Awakens on her own, thinking that everyone would be looking at her and judging her choice to go alone that she would now have a blog dedicated to going to the cinema alone - I would have not believed you but here we are! Now as a veteran of the solo movie-going experience, I am here to part my wisdom and give you my top tips on how to brave the cinema but most importantly how to love it. 

My first tip is to always pre-book, knowing you have got a comfy seat in a place that you want to sit, can curb the anxiety of going as you don't have to worry about the screen being too busy and not being able to get the seat that you want. I need to always have a seat on the aisle because it's a quick exit and more legroom and most people want to sit in the middle and immerse themselves, so the aisle seats are always away from other people which is perfect for the introvert in me! 

Comfort is key and can help you relax more, so wear your comfy clothes and don't worry about what you look like as you are there to watch a film in the dark - no one will see you anyway. I always wear a hoodie with a pair of leggings, and my Crocs to the cinema is my comfort outfit and as soon as I put it on I get excited as I know I am going to escape for the next couple of hours and relax. 

If you are lucky enough to go during the day, do this! Particularly on a weekday, as that is when most are at work or school, so the screens are a lot quieter. Don't get me wrong I now love the feeling of a packed cinema and seeing a film on its release day, as there is a definite buzz in the air but for your first solo experience it is important to feel comfortable and a quieter screen can do just that - I have found that most people are on their own so you will feel less alone. 

Last but not least, the most important tip is to not worry so much - this is a big reason why people don't go to the cinema alone is the fear of being judged and looked at - people wondering "why are they on their own?" or "they are so sad, they have no friends to go with them". However, from experience, you realise that no one cares about you, they have gone to the cinema for a reason it is not to look at you, it is to watch a film. People want escapism when they watch a film, that is why you are all there so stop thinking people are looking at you, and just enjoy the film on the big screen. Some films are better on the big screen, and now you have this new sense of independence and you don't need to rely on others to do what you want to. Life is too short, to not do what you want to do - so just buy the ticket and you'll thank me later! 

I am very excited for this weekend, as it's a bank holiday which means seeing more films and there are some new releases which I am excited to review for you all - such as Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice (review coming soon for that one)!

Once again thank you for all the support, and I hope this post helps just one person get that push of confidence to brave the cinema and start their solo adventure. 

Love Meghann