A night out at the movies is a cherished pastime for many Australians, offering a chance to escape into the world of cinema and enjoy the latest blockbusters on the big screen. However, for Talia Walker and other patrons at Event Cinemas Miranda in Sydney, their anticipated movie experience quickly turned into a scene straight out of a horror flick.
Upon entering one of the ten screening rooms, Talia was confronted with a sight that was far from the usual sticky floors and scattered popcorn kernels. Instead, she found herself staring at an aisle seat that was alarmingly covered in mould. The video she captured shows an up-close shot of the seat’s arm, which is visibly marred by fuzzy growths of mould.
But the horror didn’t stop there. As Talia’s camera panned up the steps to the next row, it became evident that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Multiple chairs throughout the cinema were infested with mould, turning what should have been a comfortable viewing area into a breeding ground for bacteria.
The experience was made all the more unpleasant by a pungent odour that filled the air. Talia described the smell as a mix of vinegar and mould, suggesting an attempt to clean or mask the issue that clearly fell short. The stench was so overpowering that it forced her and others to leave early. Despite complaints, no staff appeared to address the situation, leaving moviegoers to fend for themselves in the search for a mould-free seat—a search that proved futile.
Event Cinemas Miranda later attributed the mould outbreak to the recent weather conditions Sydney has faced, including rain and high humidity. A spokesperson assured that the issue had been resolved, but for those who had their movie night ruined, the damage was already done.
This unsettling discovery at Event Cinemas Miranda serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance in public spaces, especially those we trust to provide a safe and comfortable experience. While the issue has reportedly been resolved, it raises larger concerns about hygiene standards and how venues respond to such incidents.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever encountered a similar situation in a public venue? How did management handle it, and what action did you take? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your experiences!
Also read: Cost of living threatening ‘niche’ drive-in cinemas and fast food buffets, but nostalgia offers hope
