One of the most tried and true metaphors for film, and seeing movies in a theater in general, is that what we see and hear is in fact a reflection of the audience. Our feelings, nestled and protected inside of us, are vulnerable to effective film making.
The beauty of this medium though, is that different directors tell different stories, but can share the same emotional register. This unique piece of the larger puzzle allows for communication, shared interests, and the ability to understand someone else through moving pictures.
A beautifully pragmatic example of this would be the legendary Kelly Reichardt.
Reichardt has become synonymous with movies that are quiet, choosing to say more with empty space and tempered movement. In our world where the noise machine is always on, the director’s films move with a tranquil peace.
In 2025’s The Mastermind, the jazzy score and the entire soundscape is focused and purposeful, giving the long holds of the camera enough time to let the audience sort through the character’s expressions.
This allows for the storyteller to have the canvas cleanly slated for creation. Within this comfortably methodical sandbox, Reichardt smoothly tells one man’s story of desperation, loneliness, and self doubt, all balanced and presented opposite to acceptance, togetherness, and confidence.
Brett Haley on the other hand, just made his splashiest movie to date, 2026’s People We Meet on Vacation.
The movie is jet setting fun, transporting our characters between different parties, weddings, and busy destination excitement. We jump between different years of a relationship, as life and time creates an ever resetting dynamic between our two leads.
With this production design hook, Haley is able to do the same thing, but differently. He gives us a chapter in life that expresses desperation, loneliness, and self doubt, closely pasted next to moments of acceptance, togetherness, and confidence.
The former is a film that premiered at Cannes and has muted, yet positive reviews. The latter is a smash hit for Netflix, likely to merit at least one sequel. Both make us feel the same things.
The Rockville Film Society is a place where all stories are welcome. Bring whatever titles you hold dear-we want to talk about them.
Movies are the rare medium that has something for everyone to connect to and here we understand that.
Thank you for all the support so far. I am to infinity and beyond excited for our first meeting on February 5th.
Until then, please choose your seat. The show is about to start,
Tyler
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