Over the past 20+ years, filmmaker Sam Mendes has released numerous films, each earning acclaim. Even his two James Bond films, “Spectre” and “Skyfall,” are seen as high watermarks in the world of 007. So, it’s gotten to the point when each new Mendes film is an event, which has us really excited for his latest feature, “Empire of Light.”
As seen in the teaser for “Empire of Light,” the film is decidedly smaller-scale than his previous film, “1917,” and focuses on an English seaside town in the 1980s. Specifically, it focuses on a cinema and its effect on the people of the town. Sure, the new teaser brings to mind the recent AMC ad with Nicole Kidman talking about the power of films and the theatrical experience, but when you have Sam Mendes behind the camera and Olivia Colman pouring her heart out on screen, it does take the premise and elevate it somewhat.
READ MORE: Sam Mendes To Direct HBO Comedy Series About Superhero Filmmaking From Creator Of ‘Veep’
As mentioned, the film stars Olivia Colman alongside Micheal Ward, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Toby Jones, and Colin Firth. The film is written and directed by Mendes, and the score has been written by Academy Award-winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network“).
“Empire of Light” is expected to make its debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it will begin what many believe to be its awards season push. Mendes’ previous film, “1917,” was nominated for multiple Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. So, you have to figure “Empire of Light” is an early favorite for this coming awards season.
“Empire of Light” arrives in theaters on December 9. You can watch the teaser below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980s, EMPIRE OF LIGHT is a powerful and poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema, from Academy Award®-winning director Sam Mendes.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://theplaylist.net/empire-of-light-teaser-trailer-olivia-colman-cinema-sam-mendes-drama-20220824/&media=https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/27141544/Empire-of-Light-1.jpg&description=Sam Mendes returns with a new drama, "Empire of Light," about a small seaside town and the power of film starring Olivia Colman.){kind=link}