Disney Plus brings together the most popular fandoms by centralizing Disney classics for easy access, all while making truckloads of money for the happiest franchise on earth. However, its popularity reflects a pervasive trend within our culture: in terms of our media consumption, we now gravitate towards comfort and nostalgia over deeper emotional exploration.
It is easy to see why many people are currently drawn to the classic Disney movies. These familiar stories provide us with a degree of certainty to counter the endless barrage of uncertainty on the news, from the impeachment hearings to persisting climate crises. They bring us back to a time within our collective memories when everything seemed less complicated and less consequential. Most importantly, they give us what we already understand and agree with, instead of forcing us to constantly question our own principles.
No one is more aware of this cultural reality than Disney, who has consistently used nostalgia as a powerful marketing device. The never-ending stream of profitable Disney remakes and sequels feel more and more like “spot the difference” puzzles than standalone movies. Disney Plus is simply another layer of this marketing strategy. For just $6.99/month, viewers can binge on the movie equivalent of comfort food, bringing familiar faces like Elsa and Simba right into their living rooms. Although it may not represent a healthy media diet, Disney Plus is almost guaranteed to be successful because it capitalizes on public craving.
However, the ripple effect that this carefree streaming service has on the entertainment industry is far from anodyne. Disney Plus — along with the culture of uninspired, unoriginal media consumption that it promotes — actively hinders cinematic creativity. When the box office and streaming market are both dominated by the lucrative power of countless Disney classics, remakes, and spin-offs, there is little to no room for independent directors to break through and bring their creative energy to the table. While we could hypothetically get off the couch, head to our local movie theaters, and support indie movies, Disney Plus provides us with the tantalizing option to stay within a safe emotional bubble instead.
Our unwillingness to accept emotional risk jeopardizes the critical role that cinema plays within our society. Movies have the potential to add color and life to our monotonous daily routines. They are defined by their ability to probe deeper than the status quo and present us with the unexpected. Great movies leave us feeling vulnerable and strangely connected to the people around us as we leave the theater.
For example, I recently watched a movie called Harriet, a riveting portrait of the personal and public life of Harriet Tubman and a deeper look at the twisted psychological implications of slavery. The movie theater was not full. It was a far cry from the excited buzz of a Marvel blockbuster opening night. Nonetheless, the emotional impact was evident in the silent, self-contemplative atmosphere surrounding me. Harriet prompted us to examine our own capacity for inhumanity, as well as our capacity for strength. Produced by Focus Features, a smaller film company that self-identifies as “daring,” Harriet exemplifies what cinema can be: honest, unifying, and at times, unsettling.
This is not to say that movies have to be profound and novel experiences for them to be worthwhile. I will be the first to admit that I love re-watching my favorite comfort movies whenever I feel overwhelmed or sad. When we consume them in moderation, nostalgic movies can actually help us reconnect with ourselves and come to terms with change. However, when we only expose ourselves to the familiar and predictable, we limit our range of emotion and stunt our ability to empathize.
I challenge you to pick one movie a month that you would not otherwise watch. If you are first in line for every superhero release, try out an indie film for a change. If you like light romantic comedies, go see the latest psychological thriller. Preferably, support a small-scale movie that is not ruled by extensive market research like most Disney movies are. Before you watch, do not read the reviews or develop any expectations. As you watch, allow yourself to have a genuine, emotional relationship with the film. And after the movie is over, take some time to self-reflect. Remember that you do not have to like the movie, or have an intense emotional epiphany. What matters is that you are taking a risk, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and exposing yourself to something new.