During my time working in a cinema, we used to joke that we needed our reality show. From making popcorn, shifting candy, getting stocklists, making sure the projectors are set, climbing up on a marquee to make sure it is up to date, joking about the things that you find while ushing, and the pure rush of adrenaline when you’re selling out showtimes left and right, a unique bond is formed behind the concession stand at a movie theater. That bond is at the forefront of Sam Mendes’ newest film, “Empire of Light.”
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With outstanding performances from Olivia Colman, Colin Firth, and Michael Ward, “Empire of Light” tells the story of Hilary, a front-of-house worker at Empire Cinema. Hilary is quiet and barely interacts with her much younger co-workers until a new enthusiastic employee named Stephen shows up, and they form an unlikely bond.
“Empire of Light” debuted on the festival circuit at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year and quickly became a film to keep your eye on during the upcoming awards season as it is sure to be an Oscars contender. Alongside Colman, Firth, and Ward, the film stars Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, and Toby Jones.
The film hits theaters this weekend, December 9, 2022. (Just in time for the holidays, which is the busiest time of year for those who work at the cinema).