The 35MM Haven
They can be more than just movies

Siblings inevitably have bonding rituals, moments of life they choose to share. Sometimes, it’s tossing the ball around in the yard. Exchanging witty insults in a elbow-to-the-ribs game of one-upmanship. Or – if one’s activities veer toward more wholesome activities, there’s taking in a summer stroll. Or a movie matinee; assuming one can agree on what to watch, of course.

As Bill Albert’s 35 MM Haven opens, twenty something sisters Lindsey and Elisabeth are partaking in just such a pursuit. Elisabeth’s already pulled up a seat, munching a big bag of popcorn alone.

Lindsay approaches slowly (though what does she expect Elisabeth to do… bite?)

LINDSEY
(unsure)
I wondered if you’d be here.

ELISABETH
(does not look back)
Where else would I be?

LINDSEY
At the movies?

ELISABETH
At the movies.

Having established the sisterly sarcasm, Lindsey helps herself to a seat. 

Almost instantly,  reminiscing starts. These two have a ton of memories to replay before opening credits roll – after all, they’ve lived side by side all their lives.

Lindsey waxes poetic about her first movie being Toy Story. Elisabeth’s was Little Mermaid. Remembering the mishap when she dyed her hair red to look like Ariel elicits embarrassed, good natured laughter from both. 

Then there’s those Star Wars quotes. But soon afterwards, the conversation takes an ominous turn.

No, it’s not about what they did that one time to blow off a guy who was hitting on them at Superbad...

Rather, an unspoken dark cloud of guilt. 

Because something’s been eating at Lindsey this entire time. Something concerning a movie moment the sisters shared… the type of memory that rips one’s soul to threads. And that’s the kind of experience no number of Disney Princess flicks can erase…

It’s not what you’re expecting. But is it something Elisabeth can forgive? Even if Lindsey can’t forget?

A simple shoot, 35MM Haven requires only a few rows of theater seats, and two stellar actresses.

Sure, some movies are nothing more than light and airy summer froth. And some others are “Super Bad.”  But films like 35MM dive into far more profound topics; ones which require tissues more than popcorn. And the right director to give 35MM’s pain the solemn respect and tribute it deserves.