Politics is Poisoning the Popcorn: Why Movies Are Losing Their Magic

Shares of moviegoers' enjoyment have plummeted in recent years, and critics point to the increasing politicization of films as the primary culprit. According to industry insiders, the expectation for straightforward and instructive takeaways from movies has grown exponentially, leading to a decline in the art of subtle storytelling. The trend is evident in Oscar-buzzy films like "One Battle After Another" and "After the Hunt," which some critics argue don't go far enough in their political commentary. Kyndall Cunningham, a culture writer for Vox, notes that the growing expectation for explicit political messages in movies is a result of the way people engage with online content. "Finding hot takes in films is well-suited for online political debate, but it's not the best way to get the most out of watching a movie," she says. The shift away from subtle storytelling is also reflected in the decline of films that explicitly address politics. According to industry analysts, the genre has dwindled in the Trump era, as movies expressing political dissent are under threat. The right has claimed that any mainstream movie with diverse characters or feminist storylines is liberal propaganda, further exacerbating the trend. Industry experts attribute the politicization of films to the changing nature of online discourse. "The internet has created a culture where people expect to be told what to think and feel," says film critic, Glenn Harvey. "Movies are no longer just a form of entertainment, but a platform for people to express their opinions and values." The impact of this trend is evident in the way audiences engage with movies. Rather than focusing on the artistic value or emotional resonance of a film, viewers are increasingly looking for explicit messages and takeaways. This shift has led to a decline in the art of subtle storytelling, as filmmakers feel pressure to cater to the growing expectation for explicit political commentary. The current status of the film industry is one of uncertainty, as filmmakers struggle to balance the need for artistic expression with the growing expectation for explicit political messages. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the trend towards politicization will continue, or if filmmakers will find a way to reclaim the art of subtle storytelling. In the meantime, audiences are left to navigate a complex landscape of expectations and values. As Kyndall Cunningham notes, "The best movies are those that challenge our assumptions and make us think, but they're not always the ones that explicitly state their message." As the film industry continues to grapple with the politicization of movies, one thing is clear: the art of subtle storytelling is more important than ever.