Movie Review - Empire of Light

 

So I have started to watch more Searchlight Pictures films recently. I guess this is because I want to expand on the types of films that I review here. I spend a lot of time reviewing the big blockbusters and those popular hits on streaming platforms, that I forget to also give films like this a chance. Considered speciality or art, these sorts of films are widely known for being bait at various award ceremonies such as the Oscars and Baftas. Even though most of us do get puzzled as to why certain films get the awards over others such as Encanto which won best animated film at the Oscars last year despite not really appearing on many people's top 10 or more lists for the best films of 2021. But on a positive note, at least these sorts of films do get the attention they deserve when you hear about them at the awards, which can be a good thing. But at the same time, it also means that to get money back, it won't be covered by the box office alone. Well, enough talk, let's take a look at this film:

We are in the early 80s and at an Empire cinema in Margate on the north coast of Kent, England. Our focus is on Hilary Small (played by Olivia Coleman) who works as a duty manager at the cinema, but is diagnosed with schizophrenia, lives alone, has been prescribed lithium by her GP and has extramarital sex with her boss Donald Ellis (played by Colin Firth). When a new employee starts working there named Stephen (played by Micheal Ward), Hilary has a liking to him and the pair start a relationship. A difficult one due to Hilary's issues and past relationships, as well as Stephen with the racism he and his mother (played by Tanya Moodie) face regularly. But will they overcome these problems and live happily ever after? Who knows.

Overall, it's far from perfect. You get some fine performances from the cast and glimmers of brilliance here and there. But in its attempt to be a tribute to what cinema was like in the days before streaming and the internet, it's a bit trigger-happy and mediocre. But nevertheless, a reminder that cinemas are still around and worth going to see a film at, especially if it's one that's worth watching on the big screen. No big screen TV can ever compete with what a cinema can do in that regard. 7/10