Netflix Exec Talks ‘Roma’ & Says Film Fans “Will Love It On Their Phone”

It’s fitting that Netflix has decided to change its entire theatrical release paradigm because of a film like “Roma.” Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece, on paper, sounds like a film that could perfectly be enjoyed on a small screen like a laptop or a phone. The film follows a middle-class family in 1971 Mexico City and the housekeeper that not only tidy’s up their home but also provides a stable environment for their children. Again, it sounds like a film that could be enjoyed as much outside of a theater than on the big screen. But yet, the only true way to experience “Roma” is on the big screen.

But according to Netflix executive Ted Sarandos, that’s not the case at all.

READ MORE: Yalitza Aparicio Overcame Her Fear Of Water To Triumph In ‘Roma’ [Interview]

Unfortunately for Sarandos, however, “Roma” isn’t just a black and white drama. It’s a visual and audio feast. Each moment of the film is shot with such detail and care, it almost requires audiences to see it more than once to fully appreciate. And not only that, the sound design is on part with any major superhero blockbuster, utilizing the Dolby Atmos surround sound system in great ways even in scenes with only dialogue. So, almost more so than any other film this year, “Roma” begs to be seen on the biggest possible screen with the best possible sound system. And unless your home is set up that way, you will inherently miss out on something with the film.

As mentioned, though, Sarandos recently gave an interview where he justifies the limited theatrical release that “Roma” has received and said that people will actually love watching the film on their phones (as many fans will inevitably do).

READ MORE: ‘Roma’ Wins Best Picture From The New York Film Critics Circle

“I think it’s great that it is being seen on the big screen. Most of the world will have no access to do that,” said Sarandos (via Variety). “And what I want to do is connect people with movies they’re going to love. And they’re going to love ‘Roma.’ And they’re going to love it on their phone. They’re going to love it on a huge big screen.”

Now, many film fans will find that assertion quite ridiculous. Even if you don’t think “Roma” is the best film of the year, those that have seen it will no doubt agree that the film just deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Sarandos says that streaming is not only the wave of the future, but also how the next generation of film fans will experience some of the classic films. He gives a personal example to illustrate the point.

“I have a 22-year-old son … who is a film student, who has only seen ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ on a phone. He thinks it’s one of the greatest movies of all time. Most people see most movies that change their lives on a phone,” the executive said.

READ MORE: ‘Black Panther,’ ‘The Favourite,’ ‘Pose’ Make AFI’s Top Ten Lists Of 2018

He continued, “With ‘Roma,’ we’re so proud of the film. It’s playing on 500 screens around the world. It’s playing in sold out shows. In Mexico, the president opened up the presidential palace as a cultural center to screen the film for free. We’re thrilled with the reception. But I want to get it to as many people we can, and the best way to do that? We have more than 137 million people watching Netflix.”

It’s a tricky situation that “Roma” finds itself in. Cuaron has said on multiple occasions that he’s happy the film will have the reach it will on Netflix. However, the filmmaker would almost certainly prefer people watch it at least on a TV and not a laptop, tablet, or phone. But alas, this is the future. And sadly, there is a whole generation watching some of the greatest films of all time on a 5-inch screen.