Words Harry Faint

Christmas can be a joyful time of year, but it can be very lonely for some. In 1980, Hilary is finding just that, working daily in a movie palace in a quiet seaside town. However, this loneliness is solved by the arrival of a new face, Stephen, who is killing time before going off to university.

Hilary is instantly hooked on Stephen’s youthful energy, but they also find comfort in the comparative isolation of each other’s situation. Stephen is secluded because he’s a black man in a prejudiced town, and Hilary discloses that she feels alone in her struggle with her mental health. Together, their relationship blooms softly into a meaningful and lasting encounter in a cinema that once boomed with light and energy.

At the helm of this story is Sam Mendes, the award-winning director of American Beauty, Skyfall, and 1917. Returning to work with him again is frequent collaborator and visual genius Roger Deakins who lights up cinema screens with some of the most richly detailed and spectacular visuals you’re likely to ever see. Joining Colman and Ward onscreen are the supreme talents of Colin Firth and Toby Jones for a best-of-Britain affair both behind and in front of the camera.

This touching, visually stunning story is not to be missed, a love letter to cinema and a sure-fire awards season contender that may just be Sam Mendes’ best yet.

A Cinematic Pairing

Sam Mendes is back with his latest cinematic outing, working with Devon-born cinematographer Roger Deakins for the fifth time. Here are some of their finest cinematic endeavours.

Revolutionary Road

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite in a story about the breakdown of a relationship set against the backdrop of a picture-perfect 1950s suburban America.

Skyfall

In Daniel Craig’s third outing as James Bond, he investigates a series of data leak attacks against the MI6, featuring some beautifully shot sequences on location in Shanghai, China.

1917

Two soldiers must deliver important information in a race against the clock that could stop thousands of their comrades from a fatal end. This film was choreographed extensively to give the effect of two continuous takes.