Empire of Light

In an English coastal town in 1980 an attraction between two staff members of an Art Deco movie theatre heralds difficulties.

"Empire of Light" evokes a sense of nostalgia thanks to a grand cinema setting and the devotion of the projectionist character to his craft. The location is showcased by the cinematography which, in turn, is perfectly paired with an expressive score. Unfortunately, two elements let the production down - a romance suffocated of credibility by a lack of on-screen chemistry and the loose framing of the plot. A plethora of social issues dilutes focus, leaving questions about the director's intent. Not a Galactic Empire.

Limited Release 2nd March 2023
Walt Disney Studios 115 mins