In the age of digital convenience, where the virtual world often supersedes the physical, my series, “Netflix and Chill,” embarks on a journey through the remnants of a bygone era—the once-iconic Blockbuster stores, now reduced to mere memories.
Upon relocating to Savannah, the stark contrast between the dearth of these brick-and-mortar video rental stores and the surplus of cardboard boxes, brimming with digital deliveries, struck a chord deep within me. I felt compelled to capture the significance of these once-familiar storefronts and the transition to a more digital existence.
In “Netflix and Chill,” I traverse the streets once occupied by these Blockbuster stores, symbols of a time when choosing a movie for the evening meant browsing through physical DVDs. These spaces once defined the heart and soul of a community as gathering points for shared cinematic experiences. Now, they stand empty or repurposed, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of our world.
The title, “Netflix and Chill,” is not just a reference to contemporary streaming habits but a reflection on the transformative power of technology in our lives. It represents the shift from physical to virtual, from the tangible to the intangible, and from shared physical spaces to solitary digital experiences.
The juxtaposition of the past and present in “Netflix and Chill” is a reflection on the enduring importance of physical spaces in an increasingly digital world. It invites viewers to consider the role of these spaces in shaping memories, communities, and shared experiences.
Yet, the loss of these former Blockbuster stores raises a profound question: What circumstances transform a place into a home when all memories of that place have changed? In “Netflix and Chill,” I explore the evolving nature of our connections to space, the impact of technology on our collective memory, and the bittersweet nostalgia for the common spaces that once brought us together.
