The Art of the Rewatch – Article

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There’s an undeniable allure to discovering a new movie – whether that discovery stems from the anticipation of a long-awaited release or the thrill of randomly stumbling upon an unexpected gem one evening. Despite this draw, as much as cinema is about the enjoyment gained from exciting new releases, there’s also an underappreciated art to rewatching a film you’ve already seen. In an era where streaming platforms can overwhelm us, revisiting familiar flicks can often be a source of nostalgia, comfort and even newfound admiration.

Nostalgia – Childhood and Beyond

For most movie lovers, admiration for all things film will have begun at an early age. Many of those flicks we grew up watching are now carved into our memories, not just because of their interesting stories, but because of the moments they represented to us at the time of watching. Whether they came from a family movie night or a family trip to the cinema, some of them can hold lots of emotional weight as we get older. Rewatching these nostalgic films can take us back to those times.

From a personal point of view, a film that I fondly remember watching as a youngster was that of The Breakfast Club (1985). The Breakfast Club followed a small group of American high-school students, forced to sacrifice their Saturday morning to attend a day in detention. An all to familiar tale and one of the reasons the release has remained in my mind as a flick I regularly return to with fond memories.

It’s worth noting, however, that nostalgia isn’t just confined to childhood – it can resonate just as powerfully in adulthood too. Sometimes, as viewers, we remember exactly where we were when we first experienced a film, the seat we chose, the people we were with and even the journey it took us on. For me, one such film is that of American Honey (2016), a flick that manages to draw a deep sense of nostalgia every time when revisited. I remember starting the three-hour marathon late one evening, unaware of its length at the time, only to then find myself captivated until the very end. As the credits rolled, the sun also began to rise in typical summer fashion here in the United Kingdom, at the early time of 4am – a somewhat unique and unforgettable experience.

Comfort – The Appeal of the Familiar

Beyond nostalgia, certain films can become “comfort” watches – the cinematic equivalent of a favourite meal or a well-worn piece of clothing. A comfort watch is the primary reason that I personally tend to rewatch old flicks, rather than trying to explore something new.

A more recent movie that strikes this cord would be that of Ad Astra (2019), a contemplative Sci-Fi often revisited when I’m feeling a little lost or frustrated while searching for my next watch. Its easy on the eye visuals and all-round peaceful atmosphere, combined with a slow, deliberate pace, have an almost meditative effect.

A second flick that falls into the same category as the above, would be Arrival (2016) – ironically another film that comes under the Sci-Fi umbrella and provides a strangely relaxing and peaceful viewing experience. Not only do both provide comfort in a visual sense, but there’s also something relatively satisfying about knowing exactly what you’re going to get with both of the mentioned flicks – no surprises, no disappointments.

Discovery – Uncovering New Layers

Beyond both nostalgia and comfort, there’s also another reason why some people find themselves rewatching flicks that they enjoy – discovery. Rewatching a movie can often lead to catching new details and moments that are often missed upon the first watch.

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) is a perfect example of this. From a personal viewpoint, I found myself engrossed with the film for some unknown reason in the summer of 2023, rewatching the highly-praised release several times over, noticing new details along the way. Every rewatch managed to somehow add depth, whether it was noticing more about the story, characters themselves, or just the visually stunning locations that the filmmakers opted to use. Great films can often reward repeat viewings by offering new insights, making each experience feel fresh, despite knowing the story already.

Another release that thrives on repeat viewings is Sicario 1 (2015). With its morally complex narrative and political undertones, it manages to unveil greater depth each time it’s rewatched, stemming largely from subtle character decisions and complex storytelling. It also boasts multiple YouTube based explorations devised by fans of the film, which I’d encourage anyone reading to go ahead and watch.

While some people may regard rewatching films as a tedious and perhaps unnecessary hobby, it’s valid to say that in some instances, the rewatching of a film can serve a deeper purpose, such as nostalgia, comfort or discovery, as discussed.

For full reviews of the highlighted films in this article, please see the links below:

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