Opinion – What’s Happening to Cinema Today?

"What's happening to cinema today?" That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?

Watching movies, for me, started as a father-and-son ritual. My dad, always so busy with work, was often away from home—but let me be clear, this is in no way a criticism of him. As the man of the house, he did what he had to do, and I'm eternally grateful for that. I say this because when he was home, those moments we spent together watching movies were special: he'd rent a few tapes and we'd take some time to sit down and enjoy them. That habit left a deep mark on my childhood. My dad always loved science fiction and drama, and, in many ways, that helped shape my own taste in cinema.

That's why I've kept a close eye on the world of film over the years—and I've become a much more critical viewer, especially as I've grown older. We tend to value our free time more as we age. After all, time is the most precious thing we have, isn't it?

These days, I have to admit: cinema no longer holds the same magic for me as it once did. In my view, it's lost something. That loss, I believe, is the result of a combination of both internal and external factors—but the root of the problem lies within the creative machine itself.

We no longer produce screenwriters like we used to. Maybe it's because people don't read the way they used to. Literary reference is essential for crafting engaging scripts and compelling narratives. A good example of this decline is the abandonment—by many writers—of the classic storytelling framework known as the Hero's Journey.

This structure was thoroughly studied by researcher and author Joseph Campbell, who identified its presence in countless tales and myths throughout human history. (If you want to dive deeper into this topic, we've discussed it further here: The Hero's Journey.)

Another factor that, in my opinion, contributes to the decline in quality of today's films is the increasing politicization of the entertainment industry. These sectors seem to have been quickly captured by political activism, leading, in my view, to a hegemony of thought—one of the key reasons for the collapse of creativity and originality in cinema.

The diversity of ideas is fundamental for fostering healthy debate and, consequently, for stimulating creativity in an organic way. However, too often, political agendas are prioritized over the story itself. The narrative takes a backseat to the message.

Let me be clear: I'm not saying social discussions should be excluded from art. Far from it. What I'm saying is that there are more subtle, intelligent, and didactic ways to explore these themes in film. After all, no one buys a movie ticket to spend two hours being scolded for not sharing the filmmaker's political views. Balanced, smart storytelling can make these topics far more digestible—and far more impactful. (If you're interested in this topic, we've explored it in more detail here: The Politicization of Cinema.)

And finally—though certainly not less important—there's the impact of streaming. While streaming platforms have played a major role in democratizing access to cinema (if we can call it that), they've also contributed to the exhaustion and scarcity of ideas within the industry.

The demand to constantly feed these platforms—at a pace far greater than during the VHS era—has created new challenges. Deadlines are tighter. Content demand is growing exponentially. As a result, what was once an art form is starting to look more like an assembly line.

To cope, production companies have had to create strict guidelines and formulas to accelerate the creation of movies and series. This, however, imposes a rigid mold on what is expected in streaming-friendly content—ultimately stifling creativity and limiting innovation.

In conclusion, I believe cinema is currently undergoing a phase of transformation—one marked by structural and creative challenges. Excessive politicization, ideological homogeneity, and the standardized production model of mass content (especially for streaming) have all contributed to a decline in the quality and essence of this rich art form.

Still, I hold onto hope that this is just a temporary phase—a creative drought that will eventually give way to a new era of abundance and diversity. Much like nature, cycles of scarcity often precede seasons of renewal and growth.

Cinema has always been a central pillar of Western culture—a mirror for our stories, our conflicts, and our dreams. It would be an immeasurable loss to see it reduced to a product stripped of artistry or consumed by political dogma. That's why I hope to see the rise of new creators, new narratives, and new ways of storytelling that honor both the art and the audience.

Cinema deserves to reclaim its magic. And we, as spectators, deserve to be enchanted by it once more.