In April Wright’s fascinating documentary BACK TO THE DRIVE-IN, we go behind the scenes to visit eleven unique family-owned drive-ins across the country to experience their passion and determination to keep their theaters alive. It’s a story of human resilience.
When the pandemic hit, drive-ins were suddenly the only safe venue in town, with press coverage about how drive-ins are “back,” and how they are thriving. But this documentary goes behind the headlines to learn the truth, spending a whole night with 11 very different drive-ins in 8 states all over the country, from preparations before the customers arrive, to selling tickets, opening the snack bar, and getting the movie on screen, we discover these family-owned businesses are actually struggling to survive.
This doc is about authentic drive-ins and the passionate people who run them, but more broadly it highlights questions about the future of the theatrical experience, and the challenges of many small businesses wondering whether they will survive and make it to the other side of the pandemic.
I vaguely have a single memory of going to a drive-in when I was I guess about six-years old. I remember my mom let us wear our pj’s because we were in the car, and I’m pretty sure we went to sleep on the movie comfortably in the back seat. I would love to try again as a grown up to see a drive-in movie. Honestly, I would have thought the pandemic would have revitalized the appetite for drive-ins. I cannot wait to watch this doc, where I guess my questions will be answered.
Back To The Drive-In releases on digital March 14th.