Synopsis

Margate, England, 1980. As widespread unemployment and a rising wave of extremism plunge the seaside town and Margaret Thatcher’s Britain into recession, depressed Hilary (Olivia Colman) sticks to her daily routine as the dutiful front-of-house manager at the Empire: a dying, golden-era movie palace. But movies can’t keep lonely Hilary’s inner demons at bay. And then, bright-eyed new employee Stephen (Ward) suddenly enters the picture, shaking Hilary’s troubled existence. If the celluloid-scented power of cinema can pave the way for meaningful human connection, is there still hope for the once majestic movie theatre?

Critics Views

“Empire Of Light is a sentimental film – the piano-heavy score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross advertises that from the opening bars – but its message of love, tolerance and finding family wherever you can should make an impact in darkened rooms wherever it plays.”
Screen Daily

“Colman, her eyes darting between hope and devastation, is so lit-up and specific (and funny, a quality that doesn’t seem to get mentioned enough) that she lifts nearly every scene.”
Entertainment Weekly

“Empire of Light is a sweet, heartfelt, humane movie, which doesn’t shy away from the brutality and the racism that was happening in the streets outside the cinema: the Empire is showing Stir Crazy starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, directed by Sidney Poitier – a message of diversity, if 1981 Britain cared to listen. It’s clearly a labour of love for Sam Mendes: love requited.”
The Guardian

Academy Awards
[Nominee]
Best Achievement in Cinematography (Roger Deakins)

BAFTA Awards
[Nominee]
Outstanding British Film of the Year
Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins)
Best Supporting Actor (Micheal Ward)

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 54%  Audience 66%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 45%   Audience Liked It 74%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 93%

Audience Comments

Rather more depressing than I expected!
“Brilliant cast..Olivia Colman’s facial expressions reflected her changes of mood so perfectly..joy ..sadness..alienation….interesting take on that period..racism mods and rockers etc.
Moving, tender. thought-provoking film. ”
Beautifully filmed, it was a multi-layered exploration of many issues including mental health, racism, social isolation and human relationships. Brilliant performance by Olivia Colman.
Loved it. Olivia Coleman never disappoints and this performance was up there with her best. Good writing and direction from Sam Mendes in what was a great homage to cinema as well as good drama.
So simple yet so complex. A slow burner with fantastic performances from all. Visually splendid and atmospheric. Definitely one to watch again.
“Olivia Coleman was brilliant in the title role.
Interesting to go back in time to revisit England in 1981. Very moving and poignant story. ”
Memorable and provoking, with a great performance by Olivia Coleman
Some of the language was anachronistic- good to have the issue of mental health illustrated. Whilst nice to have heartwarming moments they made the film less realistic if that was the aim.
excellent-thoroughly enjoyed it
Olivia Coleman – what a star !
We were disappointed We visit you for entertainment and this production was very marginal on that. Perhaps it was educational or had a message, if so we missed it. Perhaps audiences would grow if entertainment was restored
Thought-provoking
Sensitively directed. Wonderful acting.
Olivia C was such a brilliant actress – not sure the storyline needed so much sex – and was it likely such a young man would have found her attractive?
Enjoyed the film more than I expected