Sounds great. Previews are starting, so let's get good seats," you say. Vivian looks happy that you agreed. The two of you find side-by-side seats in the thinly filled aisles, and moments later, the lights dim and the previews start. Vivian leans in close to you, and she grabs your hand. On your right, a few teenagers chatter and rattle boxes of popcorn, smartphones glowing as they type on the tiny screens.
Trumpets blare on the screen, and the lights dim further as cartoonized candy containers and soda cups dance and celebrate the start of the feature. But as soon as the first credit rolls across the screen, the lights flicker on, and the film stops. A few dozen heads swivel in unison as a voice resonates through the theater.
"Sorry everyone, but we have to suspend the film," a gaunt middle-aged man in staff attire states. "I'm the manager, and I am here to inform you…in the lobby, well…there's a disturbance, some kind of riot, and we feel it's safest to hold the movie and get ready to evacuate. Everyone should remain calm…"
And with that, chaos ensues.