Not long ago, the drive-in movie theater was seen as a relic of the past, a nostalgic memory of simpler times. With a mix of cult classics, new releases and even a few lingering pandemic-related restrictions, the Mendon Twin Drive-In has managed to survive and even thrive. 

College students Sarah Wille of Lexington, right, and Curtis Rogers of Powhatan, Virginia, play cards while waiting for a showing of the cowboys and aliens monster movie "Nope" on Screen 2 at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  

A couple holds hands as they make their way to the car to watch an opening night showing of the the cowboys and aliens monster movie "Nope" on Screen 2 at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  

Tyler Marshall of Needham and Caroline Davey of Norwood, 19, pass the time while waiting for an opening night showing of the cowboys and aliens monster movie "Nope" on Screen 2 at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  

Gary Barboza of Westport makes himself very comfortable while waiting with his son Gareth, 15, for "Minions: The Rise of Gru" to start on Screen 1 at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  

Annabelle Luippold, 9, of Upton, front, and her sister Caroline, 6, watch "Minions: The Rise of Gru" from the back of a hatchback at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  

Mille Thomsen, 14, and her brother Kasper, 11, watch "Minions: The Rise of Gru" from the top of a convertible at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, July 21, 2022.  They are from Copenhagen, Denmark and visiting family from Milford.