Letterboxd's Credit-Writing Cinephiles Are Redefining Movie Etiquette
For many moviegoers, the end credits signal a time to leave the theater, but for a growing number of Letterboxd users, it's the perfect moment to pull out their phones and start typing reviews. This shift in behavior is stirring conversations about modern cinema etiquette and the role of digital platforms in film culture.
The Addiction to Immediate Reflection
Ben Glidden, a 33-year-old marketing professional from New York, describes writing Letterboxd reviews as "a bit of an addiction." He believes that reflecting on a film right after viewing enhances the artistic experience. "It helps you grasp the key messages of a film," Glidden explains. "If it makes you feel like a warm hug, that's not necessarily something you remember five hours down the line."
Josh Stern, a 20-year-old student, shares this habit, writing his reviews from his seat to capture coherent thoughts. With 182 theater visits last year, Stern argues that credits are part of the movie experience. "When you pay for a movie ticket, credits are a part of the movie," he says, though his girlfriend sometimes grows impatient with his slow typing.
Debates Over Cinema Behavior
While some applaud this trend for fostering engagement, others criticize it as disruptive. Dakota Chester, a 28-year-old social media worker, notes worse offenses, like people using Letterboxd during the film itself. "That gets on my nerves," he admits. Theater employees have voiced concerns on social media, urging users to write reviews in the lobby or car to avoid delaying cleaning schedules.
Courtney Mayhew, a Letterboxd representative, acknowledges the impulse to jot down fresh thoughts but emphasizes that phones during the film remain unacceptable. "We're not monsters," she states, adding that the app has sparked friendships among users who notice each other reviewing in theaters.
Impact on Film Industry and Community
Letterboxd, with over 26 million users, is credited with revitalizing interest in cinema amid industry challenges. Its demographic skews young, with ages 18-24 as the largest cohort, followed by 25-35. The app's hype-driven reviews can influence perceptions, such as with Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights or Charli xcx's The Moment, where witty critiques go viral.
Raphael Martinez, a 43-year-old theater manager in Chicago, sees value in immediate reviews. "Within 20 minutes of the movie ending, we have a handful of advertisements on Letterboxd," he notes, helping gauge community reaction and draw audiences. This contrasts with past trends like waiting for Marvel post-credit scenes, which Martinez found less engaging.
Balancing Immediate Feedback with Thoughtful Reflection
Not all users rush to review. Irene Vasquez, a 22-year-old film student, prefers to let films marinate. "I treasure sitting with a movie and letting it sink in," she says, expressing frustration at the gamification of movie-watching. In a media landscape where professional critics have less sway, Letterboxd fills a gap by fostering dialogue among young film enthusiasts.
As cinema etiquette evolves, from silent film panics to modern phone use, Letterboxd's influence highlights a tension between immediate digital expression and traditional movie-going rituals. Whether seen as a nuisance or a boon, it's clear that this app is reshaping how we experience and discuss films in the digital age.
