Missing movie nights? #CoVideoParty is the place to be during self-isolation

If your Netflix binges are feeling a little lonely by now, there’s a new hashtag to join on Twitter that will have you feeling right at home

If there’s one place that all of our minds flitted to immediately upon hearing about extended periods at home, it was Netflix. Our binge-worthy friend, our comfort blanket full of rom-coms and sitcoms, that will surely see us through this boredom/anxiety-filled time.

But as much as we all love Netflix, there’s no denying that watching movies by yourself can put a dent in your headspace after a while. Social interaction is something we’re all missing during this coronavirus outbreak, and when you can’t go to the pub, or café, or even visit your mates at home, things can get a bit lonely.

But, as always, the Irish always find a funny solution to a problem, and this time, it has the bonus of using social media for good too. Comedian and writer Alison Spittle, who you’ll know from her stand-up and stint on RTÉ in the self-made sitcom Nowhere Fast, has come up with an ingenious way for us to enjoy Netflix at home by ourselves, while still feeling like we’re having a movie night with our mates.

Using the hashtag #CoVideoParty (catchy, no?), Spittle began streaming Netflix movies on her TV at home, and live-posting about them on her Twitter and Instagram, inviting others to join in and voice their views on the watch. Movies are chosen by a poll every evening on Spittle’s Twitter page, where she lists four classics and invites her followers to vote for their favourites.

Every evening at 9 pm, the audience collectively presses play on the chosen movie, and settles in with phone in hand to see some of the hilarious commentary by other watchers.

The hashtag party has only been rolling for a few days, but there have already been some cracker movie choices. Matilda, Jumanji (the original, obviously), and, especially for St. Patrick’s Day, Irish gem Extra Ordinary last night.

Leo says we shouldn't be on our phones so much during the lockdown. Ehhh what if we're having gas craic Leo? #CovideoParty

— Kevin McGahern (@kevinmcgahern) March 17, 2020

#CovideoParty all stuck in the game here. ???? pic.twitter.com/8EzK4iwhKJ

— Fiona Duke?? (@FionaDuke1) March 16, 2020

“Why are all these women married?” You know what, dead right. Miss Trunchbull for all her faults is a vocal critic of the patriarchy #CovideoParty

— Michael Fry (@BigDirtyFry) March 15, 2020

The poll for tonight’s movie choice has been set, and it looks like it’s going to be Dirty Dancing. We can’t wait.