In 2020, when the pandemic hit America and the government was demanding strict social distancing laws, the sudden need for the American Drive-In signaled an incredible renaissance. What was once considered an antiquated facet of movie going suddenly began thriving once again. Everyone in desperate need of the experience of movie going took their vehicles to the lots again, and it indicated that no matter what happened, you couldn’t kill the movies. Then the pandemic loosened its grip on the country.
“Back to the Drive-In” goes 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. “Back to the Drive-In” goes behind the headlines to learn the truth about its renaissance, 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.
Director April Wright has a real love for the American Drive-in, bringing the audience deep in to the subset of movie fandom that appreciates the pageantry of it all. As one owner of a drive in explains, you can promote streaming and home theater systems, but nothing duplicates the movie going experience. That’s what has been missing from the movie fandom for years, and “Back to the Drive-in” explores the last bastions of this sacred tradition. The documentary, despite being a celebration of the drive in, is not all peaches and cream. There’s an undercurrent of sadness as we delve in to the lives of these various owners, and what they do to keep afloat.
Many of them do it for the sheer love of the movies, and the community aspect. Drive-ins aren’t just about movies, but about sharing a moment and meeting people. Director Wright is able to dig deep, showing how the owners cope with wild weather patterns, interference from local government, and an ever fickle movie going audience. What’s sad is that the pandemic revived the drive ins, but only for a small glimmering moment. This unfortunately built the hopes of owners that were able to enjoy running their beloved establishments again. But once the window closed, it brought upon them the grim realities of financial hardships, and an audience that never quite knows what it wants, when it wants it.
There’s keen insight in to the task of running businesses, and the skill it takes to run a drive in theater. There are also some interesting anecdotes from patrons and loyal workers, all of whom have something sweet to share amidst all the dire circumstances looming. It feels like “Back to the Drive-In” could have benefited from a slightly shorter run time. That said, April Wright’s documentary is a work of love that sets the spotlight on movies and how it connects to the human spirit. It’s also a testament to how sometimes tradition can benefit communities.
Premiering on Digital Platforms March 14th from Uncork’d Entertainment.