Proxemics is the study of physical distance and its influence on human interactions. It is a subcategory of nonverbal communication that examines how people use space to communicate. Proxemics is valuable in evaluating not only the way people interact with others in daily life but also the organization of space in houses, buildings, and towns. Edward Hall, an anthropologist, coined the term proxemics and defined it as "the spatial dimension of non-verbal behavior".

Proxemics can influence communication to a great extent, and it has great advantages and sometimes can also turn detrimental to the quality of communication. Different levels of distance can imply different messages, and understanding proxemics can be beneficial during conversations as it gives us knowledge about the intent of the one talking to us. However, the amount of space given shouldn’t be the only aspect to be considered when trying to understand the intent of an individual. It should always be coupled with other nonverbal and verbal cues that seem to indicate a specific intention.

Proxemics is an essential component of cinematic mise-en-scène, the placement of characters, props, and scenery within a frame, creating visual weight and movement. There are two aspects to the consideration of proxemics in this context: character proxemics and spatial proxemics. Character proxemics addresses questions such as how much space is there between the characters, what is suggested by characters who are close to (or, conversely, far away from) each other, and do distances change as the film progresses.

In summary, proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behavior, communication, and social interaction. It is an important aspect of nonverbal communication that can reveal the nature of the relationship between people when communicating.