If you're looking for a "cinematic experience" or "obscure films"(it's not an arthouse theater) then stop reading here because this isn't the place for you. In fact, I even agree with most of the theater's critics. So, why the vastly different score? Let's get some of their registered complaints out of the way: 1. Do they offer oversized seats that feel like clouds? No. In fact, there might even be some broken old school seats strewn about the theater. The upside? The theater's typically empty enough that you can avoid them. 2. Do they offer gourmet meals, alcohol, or 100 different kinds of snacks? No. In fact, we once ordered a soda that was delivered in a cup that said something like Padro's Tacos on it. I don't know Padro or his Tacos or where such an establishment might exist. Maybe they were available through Overstock.com. The napkin dispenser may even contain napkins taken from the donut shop down the street. They're typically stocked with a small assortment of candy and popcorn that, as far as I can tell, someone probably picked up from Restaurant Depot. 3. Is it immaculate? No; far from it. It needs a renovation and the teenagers running the place would be better served by an owner/manager who advised them not to leave half filled garbage bins in the small hallway outside of the two theaters. That said, it's not a complete dump. We've been many times and have never encountered bad "odors" or anything like that. 4. What about the staff? The place does appear to be run by teenagers. Unfortunately, while they've never been rude to us, they could very clearly use some basic training on how to maintain a theater. If you're hoping for a big smile with a "welcome to Darien Playhouse; how can I help you?" attitude, forget about it. Then again, we don't get that at Bow Tie either. Anyway, if I'm basically agreeing with most of the complaints, why am I a fan? Sometimes you just want to see a "first run" movie without dealing with traffic, overcrowded parking lots, long ticket/concession lines, and temperamental reservation systems that come with the newer (and, admittedly, nicer) theaters. At Darien, you'll find a small theater where you and friends can sit in relative comfort, have some popcorn and snacks, and just enjoy a movie. Hopefully, there's enough upside in the business to support a basic renovation in the near future...and some much needed attention by management towards staff. It doesn't cost anything to get staff to smile and wouldn't take much to turn around some of the other complaints. read more

Went to Bohemian Rhapsody last night was told the movie started at seven we got in our seats at seven and the movie had already started everywhere you look for time of movie is says it starts 7 o'clock and on their voicemail for the theaters at 7 o'clock also We did not say anything and sorry I did not read more

Felt like I needed a shower after my visit This place is a disgrace. So dirty. No paper towels, bathroom a mess, etc. The soda was flat. I brought it back-also the cup was so cheaply made that I almost spilled it all over me-and asked for a bottle of water in exchange. He wanted to charge me $3 for it. I said the soda was $4 and undrinkable. He gave me a cup of water from the soda fountain. Horrible customer service. I am an avid movie go-er and love having a theatre in my town, but this place is simply awful. Sad to see it go down the tubes. We were so happy when it first came back to town. read more

Today my friends and I went to see a movie at the Darien Playhouse. To start, the movie we saw, "Eighth Grade", had an R rating, which we had discovered after we left halfway through the movie. The employees let us into the movie without questioning our age, which was concerning. This movie was uncomfortable for me and my friends going through middle school. The storyline was confusing and unrealistic and there was inappropriate content that we were not comfortable seeing. We were very thankful that our parents were not seeing the movie with us because we would have felt very uncomfortable and definitely not enjoyable. The snacks were quite overpriced. The seating was very uncomfortable. The walls were not sound proof so we could hear every word of the movie next door. Overall my friends and I do not recommend the movie or the theater. Thank You! - Anonymous read more

I went to see 1917 last night at Darien playhouse. I haven't been there in about 5 years but I was disappointed and amazed at how disgusting the entire facility is. Starting with the bathroom which looked likee it hadn't been cleaned in weeks. All surfaces had undistinguished residue on them. The concession stand was only partially stocked We ordered sodas whose cups and lids were flimsy and upon my third sip the cup collapsed , the lid came off and I was wearing most of my soda. I am shocked that that theater is still open. I will never go back. Btw, 1917 was intense and very good read more

I usually like small theaters that play more obscure films, but Darien Playhouse is absolutely gross. Honestly, it should be renovated or torn down. There are only 2 theaters and the one I was in had probably a dozen seats that were actually broken - many of which you didn't know until you sat down. That seems like a problem waiting to happen, especially given how many senior citizens frequent the place. The seats that were not broken were incredibly uncomfortable and made a 2 hour movie feel like a 12 hour endurance session. The cherry on top is that you can hear the movie being played next door. First and last trip. This place has nothing going for it. read more

It's dirty. Trash all over the concrete by their dumpster. Cleaning equipment just laying out on the hallways, that just generally looked uncared for (the vacuum canister hasn't been changed in ages) Also, the door to the screening room stays open and didn't close. Instead of fixing it, there is a sign (looks like it is written by a fifth grade) instructing patrons to make sure they close the door behind then. Try fixing your door instead. read more

Called and left messages SIX times to schedule a birthday party. No response. I'll be taking my money elsewhere. Plus, its outdated and always dirty. read more

I'm in shock this theater is located in Darien! Darien is one of the wealthiest towns in Fairfield county & this theater does not reflect that. It was really gross and outdated. The concession doesn't take cards, only cash & my kids were disappointed we couldn't buy anything. Never going there again. read more

Please, please, ownership of the Darien Playhouse, close this theater down for a period of time to gut and clean!! It stinks and is falling apart. Also, train your employees to actually be pleasant and helpful. read more

What a bunch of jerks they double booked a birthday party and we're total jerks about it avoid at all cost

Great location. I went with some friends over the weekend and would go again! It'd be even better if the concessions, hallways, and restrooms got a makeover and were updated. Hope this playhouse gets a little rehab love it deserves. read more

This place is an absolute dump. It is filthy, there is garbage in the halls; the rugs are stained beyond repair ;the high school kids working there were texting instead of taking care of customers. it is just a disaster. The theaters are very small and very very dark. This place needs a major overhaul. I refuse to go there anymore read more

Theatre is badly in need of updating. Theatre size is fine, but that is all, everything else is terribly shabby and dated. Theatres are side by side, so you will always hear the action flick next door. Theatre offers a skeleton staff, little comfort and few showings all at premium prices. Terribly disappointing, especially for a town like Darien. read more

Avoid! Not a good place for kids or adults for that matter. Very dirty and unkept theater. Rude staff with no patience for children. Theater has an awful smell and the whole place needs to be professionally cleaned. read more