Vampires & Valentines

Written by Miha Palancha. Graphic by Miha Palancha.

This Valentine’s Day, SCAD’s Trustees Theater did something magical. The marquee had been teasing it for weeks—”Twilight” was coming. A film that has, for better or worse, cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon. Fans, casual viewers and even those just looking for a laugh all gathered for what would be an unforgettable night.

The “Twilight” fandom is a force of its own. Some fans have spent years obsessing over every detail, reading and re-reading the books, dissecting every glance exchanged between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Others? They were simply there to revel in the sheer entertainment value—because let’s be honest, “Twilight” is unintentionally hilarious. And then, of course, there were the single folks taking themselves out on a date with Bella, Edward, Jacob (Taylor Lautner) or, for those with taste, Charlie Swan. (Hot dad supremacy, anyone?)

Trustees Theater didn’t just stop at screening the movie—it was a full-blown experience. The themed drinks? Genius. ‘Bella’s Forbidden Fruit’ and ‘Skin of a Killer’ were as iconic as their names suggested. The photo booth was decked out with Valentine’s decor, heart-shaped balloons and props. Attendees could take Polaroid prints, forever capturing the creativity that went into the night’s best outfits. The commitment was unreal. So many Edwards. So many Team Edward and Team Jacob shirts. And surprisingly, a good number of couples were on opposing sides—one die-hard Edward fan, one devoted Jacob enthusiast. Love prevails, even in the face of vampire-versus-werewolf debates.

Before the film began, the pre-show festivities took over the auditorium. Couples were called up to participate in Valentine’s Day games, answering questions like “What’s your partner’s comfort movie?” for a chance to win prizes. Meanwhile, the lobby buzzed with energy—long lines for snacks, friends clicking pictures and strangers bonding over shared “Twilight” nostalgia. But the real magic began when the lights dimmed, the screen flickered on and that moody blue filter transported everyone straight to Forks, Washington.

“Twilight” is best watched in a theater full of devoted fans. They know every word, every glance, every absurdly dramatic moment. The reactions? Absolutely priceless. The first glimpse of Robert Pattinson? Screams. Bella and Edward’s first kiss? Chaos. The baseball scene? Pure cinematic history. And, of course, the iconic “Hold on tight, spider monkey.” A moment so ridiculous, so deeply ingrained in pop culture, that the entire theater collectively lost its mind.

As the credits rolled, the night still wasn’t over. Just outside the theater, a good Samaritan stood with an empty popcorn bucket—except instead of kernels, it was filled with free Twilight stickers. The perfect Valentine’s Day gift. And as the crowds flooded Broughton Street, forming a massive line for Leopold’s that stretched all the way back to Trustees, it was clear that this night would go down in SCAD history.

So, Trustees Theater, let’s make this a tradition. It’s only fair we get “Twilight: New Moon” next, right?