The Rise of Solo Cinema and Cinematherapy

A growing movement champions the power of individual film viewing and the therapeutic potential of cinema.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The way we experience film is undergoing a quiet revolution, with a growing movement championing the power of individual viewing and a related field, Cinematherapy, gaining traction as a tool for personal growth. This shift reflects a deeper desire for mindful engagement and emotional processing in an increasingly connected world. Solo cinema allows for a more direct emotional response, uninfluenced by the reactions of others, while Cinematherapy utilizes film viewing as a structured method for personal development, focusing on the emotions evoked during viewing.

Why it matters

The convergence of solo cinema and Cinematherapy suggests several potential future trends, including personalized film recommendations for wellbeing, integration with mental health platforms, the emergence of dedicated 'Mindful Cinema' spaces, and increased research into film's neurological effects. This shift reflects a growing desire for more mindful and therapeutic engagement with media in an increasingly connected world.

The details

Journalist Hayley Schueneman's experience with Martin Scorsese's The Aviator highlighted the potential for distraction in shared viewing experiences, leading her to articulate the sentiment that the most authentic connection with a film often happens in solitude. This preference for solo viewing mirrors the way many approach reading, allowing for a more direct emotional response. Beyond simply enjoying films, the field of Cinematherapy explores the therapeutic potential of cinema, utilizing film viewing as a structured method for personal development. Rooted in the broader landscape of art therapies, Cinematherapy focuses on the emotions evoked during viewing, using them as raw material for analysis and interpretation. Specialized training programs are emerging to equip participants with the skills to use film as a tool for fostering dialogue, building resilience, and promoting psychological change.

  • The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and Kate Beckinsale, was released in 2004.
  • Journalist Hayley Schueneman wrote about her solo cinema experience in 2018.

The players

Hayley Schueneman

A journalist who articulated the sentiment that the most authentic connection with a film often happens in solitude.

Martin Scorsese

An American filmmaker who directed the 2004 film The Aviator.

Conni Sharp

A psychologist at Pittsburg State University who notes that many are questioning why Cinematherapy hasn't been more widely adopted, given its effectiveness and minimal risk.

John W. Hesley

A clinical psychologist who adds that films can accelerate positive change in therapy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The most authentic connection with a film often happens in solitude.”

— Hayley Schueneman, Journalist (newsy-today.com)

“Many are questioning why Cinematherapy hasn't been more widely adopted, given its effectiveness and minimal risk.”

— Conni Sharp, Psychologist, Pittsburg State University (newsy-today.com)

“Films can accelerate positive change in therapy.”

— John W. Hesley, Clinical Psychologist (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Further studies exploring how different films impact brain activity and emotional responses could provide valuable insights into the neurological effects of Cinematherapy.

The takeaway

The convergence of solo cinema and Cinematherapy suggests a growing desire for more mindful and therapeutic engagement with media, as individuals seek deeper emotional connections and personal growth through the power of film.