Plus, we also welcome London Baltic Film Festival to our building for a spotlight on the best of contemporary Baltic cinema.
‘Anora‘ Image courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Starting the month spectacularly, we welcome the return of Sean Baker to our screens with his latest masterpiece, Anora.
Coming off the back of Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket, Anora proudly sits among the top of Baker’s best work; highlighted by it being the first American film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes since 2011’s The Tree of Life. Featuring a star-making performance from Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) playing the titular character – a young sex worker who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. However, the fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Baker consistently provides compelling, colourful and cinematic portrayals of contemporary Americana like no other and Anora is another testament to this – cementing the director as one of the world’s most essential cinematic voices.
Make sure you don’t miss this one in cinemas – screening now! Don’t believe us? Have a read of The A.V Club’s adoring review and the gorgeous trailer for Anora.
‘Paddington In Peru‘ Image courtesy of StudioCanal.
The following week, from Fri 8 Nov, we welcome the nation’s favourite bear to our screens for his latest adventure in Paddington In Peru.
Now forming an iconic trilogy after the events of Paddington and Paddington 2, Paddington travels to his homeland to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, and with the Brown family in tow, embarks on an unexpected journey through the darkest rainforests and up the brightest mountain peaks. Featuring a who’s-who of British acting royalty with the likes of Olivia Colman, Julie Walters, Hugh Bonneville and, of course, the voice of Ben Whishaw, Paddington In Peru promises to be a warm dose of wholesome entertainment to cure all winter colds.
Have a read of HeyUGuys’ glowing review and see the fun-filled trailer for Paddington In Peru.
‘Blitz‘ Image courtesy of Apple TV+.
If that wasn’t enough, the same week – Steve McQueen’s Blitz hits our screens. Coming off the back of the phenomenal TV film series Small Axe and Uprising, as well as the four and a half hour long documentary Occupied City, McQueen returns to a more traditional feature format with a compelling tale of a mother and son who are separated during the Blitz.
Saoirse Ronan stars, with Harris Dickinson supporting along with a very sinister Kathy Burke and Stephen Graham. Like the rest of his filmography, McQueen’s filmmaking prowess permeates the screen, and few, if any contemporary directors convey ideas visually – without anything being said at all – as well as him. Every high energy sequence is paced to perfection, while horror is found in peaceful moments, and hope is found in despair. Blitz sits proudly within his canon, and with many of the locations set just down the road from us – Rich Mix is the place to watch it.
Check out The Observer’s praiseful review and the haunting trailer for Blitz.
‘Gladiator II‘ Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Keeping in line with huge film releases, from Fri 15 Nov we then welcome the long-awaited sequel Gladiator II, following on from the legendary noughties original with Ridley Scott returning to direct.
We’ll be honest, Ridley hasn’t been at his best these past few years, with mixed reviews on his two most recent features Napoleon and House of Gucci. However, we can confidently say that Gladiator II is a return to form for the legendary director. Pedro Pascal’s Roman armour pops in the most luscious shade of red, Denzel Washington compels as a trader with dreams of a New Rome and Paul Mescal amazes at the Colosseum. Plus, Connie Nielsen reprises her award-winning role as Lucilla, providing the emotional heart of the story as a mother seeking to reconnect with her long-lost son. As well as the iconic Alien and Blade Runner, Scott’s epic historical battles have been one of his defining qualities, and the opening naval assault ranks among the very best put to screen.
Put it in your diaries as this is a film made to be enjoyed on the big screen – and while you wait, watch the epic trailer for Gladiator II.
‘Wicked‘ Image courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Last, but certainly not least, from Fri 22 Nov come along to see one of the most beloved stage musicals make its big screen debut with Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The first chapter of this epic story traces the unlikely, but profound, friendship between young witches Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande). But, following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroad, and their lives begin to take very different paths.
With a host of positive early reactions – with some claiming it to be the best modern musical-to-movie adaptation – be sure to join us to experience the cinematic spectacle of the holiday season.
‘More Than A Dance‘ Image courtesy of LBFF.
To round off November’s epic programme, we are also delighted to be welcoming London Baltic Film Festival from Thu 28 Nov – Sun 1 Dec. The UK’s only dedicated celebration of Baltic cinema offers a unique opportunity to discover the culture and history of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, through stories of its people and the voices of its filmmakers.
This year’s festival brings together a diverse programme of contemporary stories, including UK premieres of moving documentary More Than A Dance, and festival favourite Flow – recently selected as Latvia’s entry for the 2025 Academy Awards.
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