I Stopped Watching Movie Trailers

.. and Movies Got 8x Better For Me!

Let’s get this out the way, in no way do I consider myself a film buff. I just like movies, I use letterboxd, and I’ve had a newfound enjoyment for going to see them at the theatres only since post-pandemic. Do not quiz me! Although I am clear on what I like and don’t like. And I did feel the need to write this piece even though film isn’t what I usually cover.

No, I never made a grand declaration to avoid watching movie trailers at all costs. I’m not covering my ears and eyes when at least 5 of these previews before the feature film - but I did stop going out my way to seeking them out a few years ago prior to seeing a film, and it’s improved my experience with movies immensely.

In fact, I’m far more likely to see a movie that piques my curiosity with little to no context and a trusted source telling me, “Go in blind,” than if they try to sell me on the plot. There’s something special about going in blind, with no preloaded expectations or spoiler-laden trailer clips in my head, sometimes not even knowing the cast in it!

The Handholding of Trailers

Take The Companion, for example, starring Sophie Turner. I walked into the theater with zero knowledge beyond “sci-fi horror,” which made every twist and bizarre moment hit with full impact. Then, after watching, I went and checked out the trailers—only to realize it practically spelled out the movie’s biggest surprises so thank god I didn’t see them prior!

Horror/Thriller and suspense is my shit. So I absolutely would rather see something that looks confusing and needs layers of peeling than something eye-catching but bland and obvious. I also have a simple rule now: If it’s an A24 film, I’m in. No trailer needed. I don’t care if it’s an existential horror piece, a slow-burn character study, or a two-hour meditation on a sentient loaf of bread. This applies to specific directors as well. A24 slaps their logo on it and I’m probably buying a ticket.

…And by that do NOT mean everything they create is golden, I’m aware they’ve done some terri-bad films too. But I do like the fact that almost everything going in is original, and a surprise. A plot I’m not too familiar with, it’s rarely a sequel or remake, and it’s a gamble (with a high chance of wins!).

The Problem with Modern Trailers

I swear, trailers have gotten worse. Back in the day in pre-historic eras of the 90’s and 2000’s (or maybe it was just cause I was too young and gullible), they teased you—gave you a taste, left you wanting more. Now, it’s like they’re frantically explaining the entire movie, as if the editor is worried we’re too stupid as consumers. They gross amount of handholding in some of these movies as well that tend to over explain and make sense of a lot of things. They lay out Act 1, Act 2, and sometimes even the emotional climax on the previews (like The Companion). Some even hint at post-credit scenes just to be thorough. It’s like picking up a mystery novel where the back cover casually drops the name of the killer.

The worst offenders? Sequels, remakes, prequels and pretty much every Marvel movie. Insert one liners like “We’ve got company!” or “I’ll be home for dinner! (phew phew)”, then que in classic rock with a slight orchestral remix and it’s a wrap.

That’s why I prefer originals—new stories, fresh ideas, actual surprises. But even if I were inclined to watch another Jurassic Park 47: The Dinosaurs Are Still Here, I’d already know the beats before stepping into the theater. The trailer would make sure of that.

Go Blind

Going in blind is where the magic happens. A lot of times, it’s the best feeling(Everything Everywhere All at Once blew my mind this way). Sometimes it’s an absolute trainwreck and you just wasted 90mins of your day, but at least I got to experience it in real time, without a highlight reel telling me which parts I was supposed to care about.

So yeah, go see more movies without consuming every trailer, reviews or TikTok reactions out there prior. And if it turns out to be two hours of a sentient loaf of bread contemplating its existence? Well, at least I didn’t see that coming.

Thanks for reading! Would love to know your thoughts and chop it up in the comments.