cinema (and other recession indicators) are SO back

Inspired by the despair of the COVID pandemic, Beyoncé concluded her hiatus with Renaissance— the first installment of a musical trilogy— in summer 2022. As intended, this disco-infused, queer-coded album created widespread joy and anticipation that toured in 2023, shifting economies and trends worldwide. Whether you managed to score a ticket or not, whether you’re an avid fan or not, the spirit of the Renaissance was inescapable. 

Capitalism breeds innovation in the same way that people alchemize their misery into miracles: out of necessity. And thanks to a global pandemic, wars, political unrest, and recessions, we are so back.

This decade has produced some of the most provocative art of modern times. We are finally beginning to see the long-term effects of our predecessors' work, in which autonomy is normalized, if not expected. 

There are adults who have never known an America without same-sex marriage and integration. We have BIPOC Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes, plus-sized models and deep shades of bronzers. Minority groups dominate industries and embed these experiences into the newfound depth of our art.

Cinema has finally made progress beyond the 2010s remake trenches. Sinners (2025) garnered widespread reception that proved — once again— how incredibly lucrative audacity is and has always been. Since then, this quarter alone has debuted The Drama (2025), Is God Is (2026), I Love Boosters (2026), You, me and Tuscany (2026), Backrooms (2026), Obsession (2026), etc.: a direct result of younger generations taking production into their own hands.

Those bold enough to consistently present themselves online during the early 2000s-2020s are probably enjoying a very successful lifestyle, with careers in content creation or social influence. COVID forced the world to find creative solutions to fill gaps in daily life, and since then, consumers have continued to take matters into their own hands, protecting the integrity of their dollars. 

Often hinged on the cornerstone of grievance, content series such as The Darkest Shade and If It Look Like You Can Fit It, Then You Better Go and Get It create conversations that highlight systemic shortcomings and their subsequent consequences. Changing product, policy, and perceptions, in an effort to connect, we have stumbled upon the birthright of creativity in a surprisingly refreshing way. 

Analog is the new luxury. Optimization has shifted from a convenience to a burden in a fraction of a lifetime. Consumers want accountability for the lifespan of their dollar. Long gone are the days of accepting mediocrity from big chains and brand names; consumers now expect brands to not only deliver on their promises but also to exceed expectations to maintain loyalty. Brands become bigger than their product simply because the value of the dollar transcends the purchase. 

Your customs and values influence how you spend, and nobody wants to be on the wrong side of history, accidentally funding genocide or exploitation. While protecting my funds against greed and defending my humanity against generative AI, I’ve also taken matters into my own hands—pen-paling, gardening, scrapbooking, meal prepping, etc. The revival of DIY culture highlights the distinctively human aspect of creativity. A world where content creation, digital influence, and independent publishing are not only lucrative but also deeply respected is one that values honesty and originality. 

The Renaissance, as historically recognized, was born during the tumultuous late Middle Ages. While it brought artistic and scientific advancements, it was primarily a revival of classical ideas—a kind of homecoming. The Harlem Renaissance (preceded by generations of brutal, chattel slavery) and what I am calling the Artisanal Renaissance (preceded by the pandemic and global economic, political, and digital pressures) both echo the regression required for a nation to heal collectively. Both are marked by progress through setbacks, driven by atrocity, and rooted in rediscovery and reevaluation. 

Because the mainstream vetting system has dissolved, people are more aware of the power and scope of their choices. This Artisanal Renaissance reflects a collective defiance against corporations and exploitation. I expect to continue seeing human effort valued as a marketable achievement, similar to how we’ve cultivated admiration for the “small” or “Black-owned” management badge. 

Today, when the world is an open mic that anyone can register for, there is bound to be a great deal of noise to filter through. Still, there is enough if we all share. Enough time. Enough space. Enough money. Enough love.

Beyoncé said it best: the renaissance is not over.