Amongst the film community, a new obsession has developed over recent years. Letterboxd, a social media platform which allows its users to log their watched films and interact with friends and other users alike. After being created in 2011, Letterboxd has now reached new heights of engagement with over 17 million users.
The large appeal to the app I would say stems from the ability to write reviews: from informal, funny, one-liners, to in depth critical analyses, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps an added bonus to watching a film is being able to write a review and read what other people are saying about it as soon as it finishes! I am not ashamed to say that quite a few reviews have made me audibly laugh. As a sidetone, it’s also a very nice feeling when other people like your reviews. It’s a form of reassurance that your opinion is valid, and you are actually very funny, as you thought you were when you posted it.
On their Letterboxd profile, users can also display their top four films. This is something you may recognise from the Letterboxd social media, where they ask Hollywood’s hottest film personalities their four favourites. You may also recognise it from dating apps, or if you’ve ever had a conversation with me… It’s a great ice breaker!
There is also the option for Letterboxd users to upgrade their account to Pro or Patron status. It is a yearly subscription that gives users the opportunity to view their film stats, pin content to their profile, and log their favourite streaming services and receive notifications when films from their watchlist are on their favourited sites.
Patron Letterboxd users have all the same features available to them, with the additional benefit of being able to change the posters of films and set a backdrop for their profile, films and reviews. Patron members also receive early access to new features before other members and have their names listed in the Patron directory. These paid subscriptions are available for people to show their support for the platform to help them keep going, something I have invested in due to my incredibly active presence on Letterboxd. It’s fun to change the posters and support a platform which unites the film community!
At the end of the year, Letterboxd also offers its users the opportunity to see their ‘Year in Review’. Similar to other platforms like Spotify who also use this concept, Letterboxd analyses the data from a user’s logged films to tell them what / who their most watched actors, films, directors and genres are as well as other categories. They also tell you the week and day of the week where you watched the most films. While these stats are something that Pro and Patron users can view at all times, the Year in a Review allows other users to see their watching habits and share them with their friends.
Letterboxd truly has become a place for cinephiles, and casual film enjoys alike to bond over one of the greatest art forms.
Feature Image Credit: Warner Brothers Pictures.
