MILLBROOK, June 12 — The summer movie season is officially in full swing, and the battle between streaming platforms and traditional movie theaters is playing out in real time — including right here in Millbrook. Nationally, major streaming services including NetVault and PrimeStream have invested a combined estimated $2.4 billion in exclusive summer releases, according to industry tracking firm ScreenLogic. But at the Crestwood Cinema on Fairfield Road, manager Bev Kowalski says ticket sales are up 11 percent compared to the same period last year, driven largely by a string of wide-release action films and a surprise local hit: a documentary about the history of the Millbrook River, Current, which has been playing to sold-out weekend screenings since it opened three weeks ago.
What's Worth Watching This Month
- Iron Meridian — The sci-fi spectacle everyone's been talking about. Playing on Crestwood's premium large-format screen. Rated PG-13.
- Current — The local documentary sensation. Directed by Millbrook native Jade Ferris. Q&As with Ferris scheduled for June 22 after the 7 p.m. show.
- The Quiet Garden — A quiet, character-driven drama that's garnering awards buzz. Limited showings at 2 p.m. daily.
- NetVault's Dominion Protocol — Streaming-exclusive action thriller generating massive viewership numbers nationally.
Industry analysts remain divided on whether the theatrical recovery is sustainable. A Reuters report released this week noted that while domestic box office totals are tracking about 8 percent ahead of last year, they still lag pre-pandemic baselines by roughly 18 percent. Kowalski isn't overthinking the national picture. "People in Millbrook like getting out of the house," she said. "Give them something worth leaving the couch for and they'll show up." Crestwood Cinema's full schedule and ticket sales are available at crestwoodcinema.com.
