Netflix Films: A Call for Wider Cinematic Release

Netflix's standout films: deserve a longer run in cinemas, as works like "Knives Out" and "Frankenstein" are perfect for an immersive cinematic experience. These films highlight the unique potential of the big screen to create collective engagement and unforgettable moments of wonder. A prime example is "Wake Up Dead Man," the new installment in the "Knives Out" series, which elicited resounding audience cheers during its premiere in Toronto, Canada.

Restrictions on Cinematic Release of Netflix Films

Despite the high quality: of these cinematic productions, prominent Netflix films, such as "Frankenstein" by the great director Guillermo del Toro, "Ballad of a Small Player" by Edward Berger, and "Train Dreams," are shown in a very limited number of cinemas and for short periods. This release is often limited to meeting eligibility requirements for prestigious awards. As a result, most audiences, with the exception of residents of New York City and Los Angeles, do not have the opportunity to see these anticipated films in cinemas, forcing them to wait until they become available for home viewing on the Netflix platform.

Why is the Cinematic Experience Still Essential?

This article does not aim: to favor the cinematic experience over home viewing, as streaming services offer easy access and high flexibility, while physical media such as Blu-rays and DVDs remain highly popular among cinema enthusiasts. However, the fully immersive experience provided by cinemas remains unparalleled. This is a clear call for Netflix to recognize that these experiences are complementary, and that its best films could greatly benefit from wide availability in both formats, an approach that was prevalent and successful in the previous era of home video.

Examples of the Visual Power of Netflix Films

The film "Frankenstein,": for example, allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in its meticulously designed visual world. The elaborate worlds are among the most prominent attractions in director Guillermo del Toro's films, and "Frankenstein" does not disappoint in this regard, with its enchanting costumes, terrifying creature, and stunning sets whose true value is appreciated more when viewed in a cinema. Similarly, when watching "Ballad of a Small Player," the viewer can clearly sense the tension and agony experienced by the main character, especially through the focus on Colin Farrell's sweating face on the giant screen.

Netflix Strategy: Growth Versus Artistic Commitment

Despite potential business justifications: for Netflix to support cinemas more broadly, this does not align with the company's current strategy. The original "Knives Out" film achieved tremendous box office success before Netflix acquired the franchise rights, and "KPop Demon Hunters" recently demonstrated its popular appeal in cinemas. However, Netflix's primary goal remains to increase subscriptions, not to sell movie tickets. Many critics and audiences believe that the company has a moral obligation to support cinematic art. This view may seem exaggerated, but if Netflix wants to be categorized as a patron of cinematic culture – as indicated by its prominent presence at festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – it must go beyond merely satisfying the desires of its subscribers and work to achieve the best for every artistic project it produces.

Successful Models: Companies Supporting Both Formats

There are successful precedents: for supporting both formats in parallel; Marvel and Pixar films continue to premiere in cinemas before becoming available for viewing on Disney Plus. Apple has successfully applied this approach; Brad Pitt's film "F1" grossed more than "Superman" at the box office, and is scheduled to be released soon on Apple TV+.

Future Expectations and the Importance of the Collective Experience

It is not expected: that Netflix will change its current policy in the near future. The company is firmly focused on achieving subscription growth, and cinemas do not seem to be part of this main plan, except for providing a short screening window to ensure eligibility for Academy Awards. However, the experience of watching nearly twenty films in cinemas, including some of Netflix's best productions, during the Toronto Festival, has reaffirmed the unique power of the collective cinematic experience when presented correctly, which increased the desire to re-watch "Wake Up Dead Man" with hundreds of other viewers.