Goodbye to the Big Screens

An Article by Audevian Monda

There was a time when going to the movies felt magical. You’d buy overpriced popcorn, grab a sticky seat, and immerse yourself in stories too big for the small screens of home. But these days? Theaters are looking more like the Blockbuster stores of yesteryear, nostalgic, beloved, but woefully outdated. Blame it on Netflix, Disney+, or even the pandemic, but movie theaters are no longer the default choice for cinematic experiences. Instead, they’ve become underdogs, struggling to survive in a world dominated by streaming platforms.

The battle didn’t start yesterday. Streaming services have been around for over a decade, but they’ve supercharged their game in the last few years. Why? Convenience, mostly. Why fight for parking at the mall when you can stream Oppenheimer in your pajamas, with a bowl of ramen that costs less than theater popcorn? Add in the fact that streaming platforms drop entire libraries of films at once, cult classics, indie gems, and big-budget blockbusters alike…and it’s no surprise that audiences are staying home.

When the world hit pause, so did the cinemas

And then there’s the pandemic, which delivered the ultimate blow. During lockdowns, studios went straight to streaming, releasing films like Wonder Woman 1984 and Soul on digital platforms. This move wasn’t just a temporary fix…it was a cultural shift. Once audiences got a taste of the “watch-it-at-home-on-release-day” model, there was no going back. Why pay for a theater ticket when you’re already shelling out for three (okay, five) streaming subscriptions?But it’s not just convenience driving the decline of theaters. It’s also about the content. Let’s be honest: the theater industry has leaned heavily on reboots, sequels, and franchise films. Sure, it’s fun to see Fast & Furious 37: Electric Driftaloo on the big screen, but originality? That’s often hiding on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, where indie films and experimental projects are thriving. Streaming platforms are where filmmakers can take risks, something theaters can’t afford to gamble on anymore.

“Netflix and chill” – how the internet has transformed cinema, shrinking it to fit on home screens, tablets, and phones

Theaters aren’t just fighting against content competition, they’re battling changing cultural
norms, too. People today value flexibility. They want to watch Killers of the Flower Moon on their couch at 11pm or during lunch breaks on their phones (blasphemous as that sounds). The communal experience of sitting in a dark room with strangers has been replaced by Reddit threads, TikTok commentary, and YouTube film analysis videos. Who needs the shared gasps of an audience when you can argue with strangers online about the meaning of the last scene? That’s not to say theaters don’t still have a place. They’re just… niche now. Theaters shine forbig-budget spectacle films, the ones that demand IMAX, Dolby Atmos, and seats that vibrate when a spaceship explodes. Think Marvel, Star Wars, or Avatar. But for quieter dramas or quirky indie films? Audiences would rather watch from home, where they can cry without judgment.

To survive, theaters need to innovate. Some are already pivoting, offering luxury seating,
gourmet snacks, and even full-on dining experiences. Others are doubling down on nostalgia, hosting throwback screenings of classics like Jurassic Park or The Godfather. Still, the question remains: can theaters evolve quickly enough to avoid extinction? It’s a bittersweet moment for movie lovers. Theaters will always hold a special place in our hearts (and in pop culture). But as streaming continues to dominate, it’s clear that the big screen isn’t the undisputed champion it once was. Maybe theaters won’t die out entirely, but one thing’s for sure: their role in our lives has forever changed.

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08 Apr 2026 by Bella in Talks

The Honest Truth About Nomad Life

Nomad life often looks effortless on social media. We often see so-called travel influencers on Instagram saying things like, “I sold everything back home to travel the world” or “I left my 9 - 5 job to live my dream life". Well, I did leave the corporate life to pursue a different kind of life, and I’ve been living in different places ever since. I wanted freedom and flexibility, and now I have both. When people imagine a nomadic life, they picture waking up somewhere new, working from beautiful cafés, chasing sunsets, and all those clichés. And while a lot of that is true, don’t get me wrong - I am fully embracing this life. But there are things influencers on social media don’t tell you about being a nomad. So before you seriously consider this lifestyle, ask yourself again: are you really cut out for it? You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days You end up spending so much of your life at airports “Catch flights, not feelings,” they say. And while I do love travelling, I definitely don’t love the act of travelling itself; showing up at the airport three hours before a flight, waiting to check in, stressing over whether your luggage is overweight, trying to survive eight-hour layovers at the most random times, having breakfast at 2am, coffee at 9pm, waking up at 4pm and going to sleep at 3am. By now, I’ve mastered the art of killing time, know what coffee shops are available at certain airports, I’ve watched enough Netflix series while waiting for the next flight to last several lifetimes. I’ve also lifted more than half my body weight in the form of a suitcase, more times than I can count, and a significant portion of my money seems to evaporate into boarding passes. Airports start to feel strangely familiar; not quite a destination, not quite a home, just a place where life pauses in between chapters. Taking off - yet again, a rare sight of the iconic bear empty, and a downloaded Grey’s Anatomy episode to kill time The freedom comes with a lot of admins And by a lot, I mean A LOT! Especially when you have a not-so-strong passport like mine. There’s this ongoing visa anxiety quietly living in the back of your mind. You’re constantly counting days, checking the latest requirements, figuring out whether there’s even an embassy where you currently live, and planning your next exit before you’ve fully arrived or settled in. Your calendar isn’t just filled with travel plans or work deadlines - it’s filled with immigration timelines. Visa runs, application windows, document checklists, renewal reminders. Yep, I carry my entire life admin with me everywhere, lol; birth certificate, marriage certificate, original sworn-translated documents, copies, copies of copies - just in case. Also, sometimes you realise you’re not planning your life around where you want to go, but around where you’re allowed to stay. And just when you start feeling comfortable somewhere, you’re already researching your next country, your next entry stamp, your next temporary home. Freedom, yes - but with paperwork. You may also like this article: Where to Eat in Sydney - 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to It’s a lifestyle shaped by constant adjustment You learn to manage different electric plugs like it’s a practical life skill. You also have to be okay with not drinking your favourite coffee from back home for a while - sometimes for a looong while. You become strangely good at calculating currency exchange rates in your head, and before you realise it, you can hold a few basic conversations in a foreign language - enough to order food, ask for directions, and politely apologise for not speaking the language, hehe. And every few months or so, you explain your life choices all over again - to family, to friends, and to yourself. “Can you come to our wedding in June?", and "Will you be home for Christmas?" become surprisingly difficult questions to answer. Packing just to unpack again, and getting used to seeing empty apartments you had only just started to feel comfortable in Less items, more memories Over time, you realise you don’t actually need much to live. Heck, your entire life fits into a suitcase (or 2, in my case). And somewhere along the way, you start wanting less, too. You see a cute pink dress in a shop window and feel perfectly happy just admiring it - you don’t feel the need to own it anymore. You may have fewer things, but you gain so many new experiences and memories instead. Each place leaves something behind; routines you built temporarily, friends you met along the way, and versions of yourself that existed in a particular place. You start measuring richness differently - not by what you have, but by what you’ve lived through; a café in one country, a morning walk to the gym in another, time spent with people you may not see again anytime soon. So many goodbyes One of the less glamorous truths of being a nomad is how often you have to say goodbye (insert sad face here). You say goodbye to new friends just as connections begin to deepen. You leave one group of friends, travel long distances just to see another, and then eventually say goodbye all over again. Friendships become intense and condensed, built quickly because everyone understands time is limited. And through that, you learn to appreciate presence more than duration - valuing the moments you have together instead of how long they last. Leaving one family to reunite with another, leaving home to revisit a place that used to be home You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience Leaving home, to go home Nomadic life reshapes the meaning of home. Sometimes you go back to familiar places, only to realise they’ve changed, or perhaps…you have. Home stops being a fixed location. It becomes a feeling you occasionally stumble upon; a slow morning that feels natural, a café where staff recognise you and your regular order, a moment when you no longer feel like a visitor. Being a nomad isn’t simply about movement. It comes with its own price, but this is the life I’ve chosen for now - and it has taught me a lot. Over the past year, I’ve learned how to build my own version of normality wherever I go. How to adapt faster, connect more openly, and find ways to feel grounded even when nothing around me is permanent. Stability stops coming from location and starts coming from within. And eventually, I realised something: home is not where you stay the longest. It’s where you feel most like yourself - even if only for a little while.

08 Jan 2025 by Bella in Talks

6 Brilliant Timeless Films That Define the Art of Cinema

I was just talking about films with a friend recently - and it hit me, like damn, I used to be cool back in the day, hahaha. But then adulthood happened and cinephile Bella took a (long) nap. Now, all I watch are romantic films starring some ridiculously handsome leads, with easy-to-follow storylines that you can predict halfway through but still enjoy every second *guilty! I'm not saying chick flicks are rubbish, though - but from Kubrick to chick flicks, what happened to the film-school nerd me who used to dive into the works of iconic film directors, and all the other legends who shaped cinema as we know it? Back then, I’d watch films that challenged my brain, messed up my emotions, or just left me sitting in awe for hours. Maybe it’s time to revisit that chapter of my life - the glorious uni days of dissecting every frame, scriptwriting and camera angle. So, here’s to a little nostalgia and maybe rediscovering why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. Let’s start with some classics. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)Edward Scissorhands (1990)The Science of Sleep (2006)Lost in Translation (2003)Amélie (2001)Pan's Labyrinth (2006) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) Directed by Michel Gondry I have seen this film many times, but I'd still watch it again anytime in a heartbeat. This film follows the story of a couple, Joel and Clementine. After their breakup, Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase all her memories of Joel. When Joel discovers this, he decides to have the same procedure to forget her as well. However, during the process, as his once-cherished memories of Clementine slowly begin to fade, he starts to have second thoughts. The film unfolds through a non-linear narrative, moving back and forth through time and memory, blending past and present in a fragmented, dreamlike way. Every time you rewatch it, you will notice little details you didn't see before that make you think, “OMG, Michel Gondry is amazing!" If you've made it this far in life without watching it, please do yourself a favour and watch it now! Also, prepare to cry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-QBnEkgXU Edward Scissorhands (1990) Directed by Tim Burton I still watch his works, right up to Wednesday on Netflix (haven’t seen the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice yet!). Burton has such a quirky gothic style, and sometimes eerie, like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. While he directed Alice in Wonderland (which is my all-time favourite), the one that really touched my heart and that I’ve watched so many times is Edward Scissorhands. The film tells the story of Edward, played by Johnny Depp - a man with scissorhands, created by an inventor who dies before finishing him. He’s discovered by a sweet lady named Peg and brought into suburban life. It’s a heartfelt story about a misunderstood outsider seeking connection. From the characters to the set design to Danny Elfman’s score - everything is perfect. Like, who wakes up one morning and thinks, “I want to make a film about a man with scissorhands!”? Pure genius! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iTFYsmFV_Q The Science of Sleep (2006) Directed by Michel Gondry Fun fact – I almost interned at a production company where Gondry worked, but sadly didn’t make it to the next interview. Anyway, Gondry’s whimsical style shines through in his works (he also does documentaries and commercials). While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will always have a special place in my heart, The Science of Sleep also deserves a spotlight. It’s a simple boy-meets-girl story, but wrapped in surreal fantasy with unique visuals, blending stop-motion and dream-like sequences. The main character, Stéphane, struggles between his vivid dreams and reality, and when he meets Stéphanie, his creative, free-spirited neighbour, their relationship becomes a roller coaster of adventures, confusion, miscommunication, and emotional vulnerability. The line towards the end when Stéphanie asks, “Why me?” and he replies, “Because everyone else is boring, and because you’re different,” really struck me the first time I watched it. At that point in my life, I felt like I was different, and it gave me a sense of comfort. Not sure how easy it is to find this film these days, but it’s worth checking! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHtE0szIip0 Lost in Translation (2003) Directed by Sofia Coppola It must have been tough building a name under the shadow of The Godfather (if you know, you know), but Sofia Coppola did it. I first watched her work the heavy way, with The Virgin Suicides, which was powerful. Then there’s Somewhere, which was also good. But Lost in Translation... I just recently rewatched it, and every time, it hits differently. Set in Tokyo, it follows Bob, a famous actor, and Charlotte, a young woman struggling with her marriage. Both feel disconnected in a foreign country and form an emotional bond. You can feel the loneliness, even when they’re together in the crowd. The cinematography, combined with the melancholic shots and soundtrack, makes it both sad and heartwarming. It’s very slow-paced, so it’s best watched when you’re ready to relax, not in the middle of a hectic day. Highly recommend it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQn9wsDjjZs Amélie (2001) Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet There was a time when I loved watching foreign films, and French cinema, especially the works of Jean-Pierre Jeunet was always on my list. I would describe his style as whimsical, often blending fantasy with everyday reality. He seems to like warm colour palettes and quirky characters in his films. Amélie tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a shy young woman in Paris who lives in a world of her own. One day, she discovers a hidden treasure in her apartment: a rusty old box filled with childhood memories left behind by a previous tenant. Determined to find the owner, this small act of kindness quietly changes her life and sets her on a journey of helping others. If you like Amélie, you may also enjoy Jeunet’s other films: Delicatessen, A Very Long Engagement, and The City of Lost Children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py7cDXQae2U Pan's Labyrinth (2006) Directed by Guillermo del Toro Another foreign film - and we’re going a little darker here, but it’s a masterpiece worth watching! The story follows Ofelia, a young girl who moves with her pregnant mother to a remote military outpost in post–Civil War Spain. She discovers an ancient labyrinth near their home, where she meets a half-human, half-goat creature who tells her she may be the reincarnation of a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To prove her true identity, Ofelia must complete a series of dangerous and surreal tasks. Despite its dark fantasy genre and unsettling moments, for some reason this film didn’t frighten me. It feels more like a melancholic fairy tale than a horror film. It’s one of those films you have to watch at least once in your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVZRnnVSQ8k Wow, that was only six films, but there’s already so much to say! Maybe I’ll stop here and save the rest for another film-related article, different genres, or different eras perhaps, or maybe even a collaboration with my fellow film nerds. Got any more films to add to the list? Drop them in the comment below!

17 Mar 2026 by Bella in Talks

Nyepi in Bali: 8 Types of People During the Day of Silence

(Main image by Eyestetix Studio) Nyepi, or The Day of Silence is easily one of the most unique things about Bali. In case you didn’t know, it’s the one day a year when Bali quite literally switches off for 24 hours, even the airport, for Balinese Hindus to meditate and pray. No work, no travel, no entertainment (and sometimes no internet!). It’s one of the rare moments you can experience true darkness and complete silence - because really, only Bali could pull off turning off an entire island, I think. You’ve probably already read about the ceremonies leading up to Nyepi; Melasti, Ogoh Ogoh parades, and all that. So I thought I’d keep things light and share a little pre-Nyepi entertainment: the different types of people during the day of silence. Which one do you think you are? 😉 You may like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life The Panic Shopper The thought of not being able to leave the house (or hotel) for 24 hours sends some people straight into Doomsday Preppers mode. From a few days leading up to Nyepi until the day before, supermarkets across Bali are usually packed with people and their overflowing trolleys, with long cashier lines everywhere - shopping as if a month-long lockdown is coming. Do yourself a favour and shop at least two weeks in advance The Over-prepared Just in case there’s no internet, they download 12 films, 3 full series, 5 podcasts, and a meditation app they absolutely won’t open… because they’ll be asleep by 9pm, halfway through their first film. The Hotel Hustler Some people book a hotel stay even when they live in Bali - because why not, it’s convenient. They start the day with slow buffet breakfast, and then a dip in the pool, followed by a film, maybe a gym session (if the hotel has one), snacks, then room service meals. What is meditation and self-reflection? Not on today’s itinerary. Hotels in Bali offer Nyepi package for 2 nights The Accidental Philosopher In the silence, the thoughts start rolling in. Life choices, relationships, friendships…and all those ships. They consider reaching out to their ex, starting a new career, and becoming a morning person - all before sunset. By the end of the day, they’ve “found themselves” and wake up feeling like a new person. You may like this article: Brunch in Bali - Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter The Sleep-in Specialist These group of people use Nyepi to fix three years of sleep debt. No internet? Perfect! That means no sneaky work emails, no WhatsApp group chats, no demands from the world. Life is good! Oh, the joy of not knowing what time it is and not having a care in the world The Public Enemy Every year, there are always a few people who try to bend the rules, complain about the restrictions, and end up making the pecalang’s (village security) job harder. Please…don’t be this person! The Star-Gazer They wait all day for the night to come. Some come fully prepared with fancy lenses, others just step out onto rooftops or balconies. The sky during Nyepi is unreal though! In pitch black and total darnkess, the stars shine the brightest (didn’t mean for that to sound poetic, but it really is! lol). You have to experience this at least once in your life The True Believer And last but not least, the ones who truly observe Nyepi - our Balinese brothers and sisters. Spending the day fasting, praying, meditating, and turning inward. While everyone else is just experiencing the silence, they’re living its meaning. Everyone spends Nyepi differently. Some rest, some overthink, some just eat and sleep their way through it. But at the end of the day, it’s not really about how you spend it, it’s about understanding why it exists. In Indonesia, we have a saying “di mana bumi kupijak, di situ langit ku junjung” ( wherever I stand, there I uphold the sky). So whatever it is you have planned for Nyepi, just remember to be still, be respectful, and let the island have its moment of silence. And to my Balinese friends, if you’re reading this, Rahajeng Nyepi - may peace and blessings be with you and your family.