Scary Movie Night Under the Stars: A Full Review

There’s something so incredibly cool about combining the spine-tingling thrill of a scary movie with the wide-open, quiet mystery of the desert night, isn’t there? Like your regular trip to the cinema this is certainly not. “Scary Movie Night in the Desert” aims to do that thing of giving you a movie screening, like one you’ve seen before, but in a very strange location – imagine the expansive desert. The thought has us intrigued, to say the very least. We went along to check it out, and to give you the complete, honest rundown, so you know what you could be letting yourself in for.

Setting the Scene: More Than Just a Projector

Ok, so it’s more than just pitching up a projector in the sand, right? The team running this really appear to put effort into making the entire experience immersive. On arrival, that is if you catch it just at dusk, there’s already something special in the air, is that right? Torches flicker, and the seating looks pretty inviting, it’s more like super comfy cushions and beanbags. That could be something you would want. Pre-show entertainment – someone wandering round doing spooky magic tricks and telling scary tales – got the mood just about right, to be honest. It sort of made the anticipation more.

The setting itself did a good job, I felt. Think about this; You are nestled away, completely away from bright city lights, which meant when the movie eventually starts the sky gets very dark and huge above you. Coyotes are heard too it’s almost, and they add something too, an extra bit of sound effect, or at least they did for us. Obviously that’s totally outside of the organizer’s control but it added that ‘are we really alone here?’ element. Which could be quite intense.

The Film Selection: Something for Everyone (Maybe)

We attended a night showing “The Ring.” A pretty solid pick, and a classic, if that’s true. It played well in the desert setting, I think the sense of isolation added another layer to how scary it can be. From chatting with some of the other movie-goers, the selection is something of a mixed bag, arguably. Some nights they show absolute slasher movies, very gory and intense, on other nights, more of a suspense, psychological kind of scary thing happens, so they’ve really been trying to get a wide reach of scares available.

This is where doing your homework could pay off. Make sure you check what’s playing on any specific night, particularly, if jump-scares are not your thing. Similarly, if you want extreme horror you don’t want to book for something very tame, or you’ll feel a bit foolish, wouldn’t you? No matter the movie, watching it out under the stars changes the game very slightly, as it turns out. The darkness seems deeper, and every single sound gets amplified.

Creature Comforts (And Possible Discomforts)

So, one thing you should know; deserts get seriously chilly after dark, ok? Although blankets were handed out, we’d still recommend wrapping up very warm indeed. Think layers, and bring extras, alright? We found this important. In terms of actual home comforts, there was the usual offering of popcorn, candy and sodas. But like your average cinema these weren’t cheap at all. We noticed some folks came a bit more prepared, they were smart bringing their own provisions and snacks, like your average cinema.

Toilets were a bit ‘rough and ready’ portable kind of deal. Although they get the job done, this could be one area needing improvement. All the staff we met were happy and they really gave it their best shot, which creates a relaxed vibe. A good attitude goes far when, actually, you are pretty far away from civilization, really.

The Scare Factor: Did It Deliver?

So, the main question really, how frightening actually was it? Of course that’s always going to be rather subjective, won’t it? Some around us clearly seemed terrified out of their minds, other people didn’t seem as if anything remotely spooky had actually occurred, it tends to be like that. What the location did do was make you that bit more jumpy. During quiet bits in the movie every single little rustle or noise from the desert made everyone tense, you could feel it.

Because the setting feels quite isolated, every shadow seems longer, like you can’t be sure. Although “The Ring” is not a new movie at all, experiencing it like this kind of breathed life into it again for us, or so it seemed. This wasn’t simply watching a film; it was really feeling that sense of fear together with a group in a setting that enhanced it all. In many ways it feels like something a bit different than going to your standard movie theater, is that right?

One little note: Think if younger kids are going. You know your own kid, really, alright? But the dark and the atmosphere might prove just too intense for some. Like your average cinema trip this might need more thought beforehand.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Here’s the sticky point; the tickets weren’t cheap, is that so? You’re paying a premium, actually, for the actual ‘experience’ rather than just the movie showing itself. Consider too it’s almost that travel costs could be involved in going there. Now this really is isolated, and depending on where the actual showing is, it could involve quite a long drive into the desert, alright.

Is it worth the money? Hmm, you know it kind of depends. As a unique, different date night idea? Or perhaps like your doing something with friends that’s a little crazy, sure, very good. It’s fun and you’ll talk about it. But, for a cheap night? Very much no. Like your regular movies there are cheaper ways to see things. If the idea grabs you then do it, because this isn’t only sitting watching a movie – it’s making a memory.

Overall, “Scary Movie Night in the Desert” has something of a charm and an edge. So that’s all good, is that not? Sure, they could improve certain aspects, for example, toilets. But really the sheer novelty and the location did win us over. If you’re up for something very different from your average movie outing, or what you tend to do, then it’s one to try, potentially. Just make sure you bring layers and maybe your own snacks too!

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