A popular social media influencer, known online as @np.miranda, has ignited a firestorm of online criticism after documenting herself performing an extensive multi-step skincare routine inside a crowded movie theater during a film screening.
The injectables nurse and content creator, who boasts over two million followers on TikTok, shared a video of her routine, which included applying micellar cleansing water, a facial mist, neck cream, eye cream, and a full collagen sheet mask. She also filmed herself eating jerky and drinking a soft drink during the movie.
Wilson captioned the now-viral video, "POV, the movie is 3 hours long," and asked, "Anyone else bring their own skincare and snacks to the movies?" This prompted a wave of backlash from social media users who condemned the behavior as "peak influencer entitlement" and a blatant disregard for cinema etiquette.
Many commenters expressed frustration with the glowing phone screen, which is often visible during such routines, disrupting the viewing experience for others. "People should respect the cinema environment," one user stated. "Using your phone during the movie can be distracting because the light from the screen bothers other people who are trying to enjoy the film." Others argued that such elaborate personal care rituals are inappropriate for a public setting and should be confined to one's home.
Some viewers accused the influencer of seeking internet clout, with one calling the act "HELLA performative." Concerns were also raised about general social etiquette, with one critic lamenting, "People have no social etiquette anymore." Another commenter stated, "If I see your damn light on through my entire movie I’m getting you kicked out – this is so insanely rude."
However, a portion of social media users defended Wilson's actions, with some claiming they would not have noticed the routine in a dark theater. "I really don’t understand how this could possibly bother anyone else," one supporter commented. Others found the idea convenient, with one user admitting, "This is actually hilarious and also so convenient... I fear I must try this very soon."
Wilson herself responded to the criticism by calling it "multi-tasking at its finest." Supporters also questioned why a face mask at the cinema was problematic, with one calling the setup "the dream."
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasingly longer movie runtimes. Data indicates that the average runtime for major Hollywood films has grown from approximately 106 minutes in the late 1990s and early 2000s to over 114 minutes today. Many blockbuster films now exceed 150 to 170 minutes, with action films averaging 128 minutes. This trend is attributed in part to digital projection advancements and studios aiming to create a sense of event cinema, particularly to promote premium formats like IMAX. Film directors have also suggested that younger audiences, in particular, tend to favor longer films, seeking substantial content for their viewing experience.