Steven Spielberg returns, Cate Blanchett, Olivia Colman and Danielle Deadwyler make their case for Best Actress, plus Damien Chazelle, with the help of Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt, brings us what could be the most-talked-about film of 2023 (and it’s only January).
‘Till’ image courtesy of Universal Pictures.
From Fri 6 Jan Chinonye Chukwu (Clemency) continues her trajectory to be one of the leading Black voices in cinema with the poignant and powerful drama Till – Danielle Deadwyler (The Harder They Fall, Gifted) gives a powerhouse performance in the true story of Mamie Till, the educator and activist who pursued justice after her son Emmett was murdered in 1955. Dedicated to her life and legacy, the film tells of an important moment in history and asks tough questions of its viewers. A powerful film that will spark conversation and reflection on the modern-day as well as the history that got us here, Collider have labelled Till an ‘essential watch’ – check out their full, glowing review and watch the trailer.
‘Empire of Light’ image courtesy of Searchlight Pictures.
From Mon 9 Jan see Empire of Light, a powerful drama from Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall, American Beauty). Set in the English coastal town of Margate in the 1980s, rising star Michael Ward (Blue Story, Top Boy) portrays Stephen, a newcomer to town who starts work at the Empire cinema. He quickly finds comfort in the company of co-worker Hilary, portrayed by Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) in a Golden Globe-nominated performance. An ode to cinema, the power of movies and their ability to bring us together, Mendes creates a heartwarming story of love and human connection. This is one you don’t want to miss, but don’t take our word for it – check out the stunning trailer, and read Vanity’s Fair’s adoring review.
‘Tár’ image courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Up next on Fri 13 Jan we are proud to welcome Tár, which is triple-nominated at this years Golden Globes (Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay), and winner of Best Film at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.
Premiered at Venice Film Festival, where Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings, Carol) picked up the Volpi Cup for Best Actress, this psychological drama comes from the mind of Todd Field, who returns to feature film directing for the first time since 2006’s Oscar-nominated Little Children. Blanchett gives a ground-breaking performance as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned composer and conductor – the film follows her remarkable rise, and eventual fall. A mixture of the character study of Raging Bull and the obsessed musical artist of Whiplash, Tár is on the right track to go down as, in the words of the BFI, ‘a masterpiece’. Check out the awesome trailer, and if you’re still not sold, read the full BFI review.
‘Babylon’ image courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
From Fri 20 Jan we welcome Babylon, the epic Golden Globe-nominated comedy-drama from Damien Chazelle (Whiplash, La La Land, First Man). Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast with Margot Robbie (I Tonya, The Wolf of Wall Street) and Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) alongside newcomer Diego Calva, Babylon chronicles the rise and fall of multiple characters during Hollywood’s transition from silent to sound films in the 1920s. A film that’s got everyone talking, it’s truly one of a kind; a big-budget, adult-focused epic full of decadence, depravity, and excess. Welcome to the greatest show on Earth – like you’ve never seen it before. Check out the jaw-dropping trailer and read the Independent’s five-star review.
‘The Fabelmans’ image courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Rounding out the month in style, from Fri 27 Jan we welcome The Fabelmans, an awe-inspiring, introspective, coming-of-age drama from legendary director Steven Spielberg (Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, E.T… should we go on?) First screened at the Toronto Film Festival, the film tells the story of the fictional Sammy Fabelman – a young aspiring filmmaker who explores how the power of cinema can help him see the truth about his dysfunctional family and those around him. Loosely based on Spielberg’s adolescence and first years as a filmmaker, and dedicated to the memory of his late parents, The Fabelmans is a truly outstanding piece of work that delves into the soul of one of the most legendary filmmakers alive.
Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast with Paul Dano (The Batman, There Will Be Blood) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Manchester by the Sea), this one is hotly-tipped for this year’s Oscars – make sure to watch this monumental achievement with us this January. Watch the trailer and check out this rave review from Polygon.
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