What if things were different? What if, somewhere amidst the zooming pace of progress, alternate technologies had taken hold, reshaping the style, texture, and order of our world? That is the question at the heart of retrofuturism, the creative movement that imagines worlds where past visions of the future came true, for better or worse.
Films like “Blade Runner” and “Dark City” filter the future through a postwar noir lens, blending trench coats with robots and alien intrigue; “Brazil” and “Don’t Worry Darling” channel the stylish conformity of the 1950s to create oppressive dystopias; while “The Rocketeer” and “The Incredibles” tap into golden-age sci-fi optimism to fuel heroic escapism.
Two new films—James Gunn’s “Superman” and Matt Shakman’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” opening at The Triplex this Friday—draw on that same spirit. Both borrow heavily from the 1960s Silver Age of comics, building worlds where hope and heroism win out over cynicism and despair.
It is a trend gaining momentum in post-COVID film and television, as we grapple with a world that feels murky and unstable. When it feels like we are stuck in the darkest timeline, retrofuturism reminds us that the future is not fixed—and that facing down the darkness with hopefulness can be an act of heroism all on its own.
Now Playing
“Up, Up and Away: The Rise of the Silver Age of Comics”
In the midst of this superhero summer, we are taking a look at the cultural and political influences that shaped the creation and evolution of characters like “The Fantastic Four” and “Superman” in “Up, Up, And Away: The Rise Of The Silver Age Of Comics.”
Join Brendan Mathews, author of the novel “The World Of Tomorrow,” joins us for a discussion about the history of comics as they transitioned from the post-war “Golden Age” into the “Silver Age” of the 1950s and ’60s that saw superhero stories becoming more nuanced and political.
July 27, after the 4:15 p.m. screening of “Superman.”
“Eddington”
A satiric Western from the director of “Hereditary.”
In May 2020, a standoff between the sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) of a small New Mexico town threatens to ignite tensions between neighbors during the early days of the pandemic in “Eddington,” the latest from “Midsommar” and “Beau Is Afraid” director Ari Aster. A darkly comedic neo-noir western with a cast that also includes Emma Stone and Austin Butler, “Eddington” is sure to be one of the most talked-about movies of the summer.
“Superman”
A soaring new take on “The Man of Steel.”
Eyes up here! Director James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) brings his kinetic love of comics to one of the most iconic figures in American pop culture with “Superman”! A new take on the story of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and the citizens of Metropolis sees Kal-El (David Cornsweat) trying to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage while dealing with the mounting pressures of being the protector of Earth.
Triplex Movie Trivia!
Pop quiz, hotshot: Join Triplex Creative Director Ben Elliott for a night of movie trivia on July 30! Put together a team, grab some drinks from our concession stand, and join us for four rounds of trivia in The Triplex lobby starting at 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so get there early!
July 30, at 8:30 p.m.
Coming Soon
“The Naked Gun”
Liam Neeson brings his certain set of skills to one of comedy’s most iconic franchises in “The Naked Gun”! Neeson takes the lead from the legendary Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin Jr., the no-nonsense head of the Police Squad, in this legacy sequel that sees director Akiva Schaffer (“The Lonely Island”) bring a modern spin on Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker’s beloved crime-spoof comedies.
Starts August 1.
“The Bad Guys 2”
A family-friendly spin on the heist movie, Mr. Wolf and his crew are back for one last job in “The Bad Guys 2”! Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova join Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina in this new adventure that sees the titular team pulled back into a life of crime by an all-female squad of thieves.
Starts August 1.
