Monday Night Movie

Rachel Stough

As soon as we started setting up, the men that were already there (there’s typically a handful that volunteer to help clean and put out mats before they officially open) were excited and helped us set up. One was helping us pick the best spot to show the film so everyone could see it. The other was moving mats out of the way for us and saying that whoever complained about us taking their regular spot would have to answer to him because he “really needed a movie in [his] life tonight”.

The whole vibe in the space was completely different from a typical Monday night. There was no fighting and it was VERY quiet. Most of the men were laying down and watching the movie. Some found chairs to sit in and watch. They were very excited once they realized what movie we were playing. Something about the nostalgia drew people together or at least captured their attention. I heard a few people quoting lines here and there to those around them. Several people said this was one of their favorite movies

A lot of the guys fell asleep before the movie finished, but it’s kind of nice to get to fall asleep to a film sometimes too.

Overall, it wasn’t perfect, but it had the effect I think we were looking for in that it changed the energy of the space, everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it gave people a chance to just be people.