Empire of Light is a 2022 British romantic drama film directed, written, and co-produced by Sam Mendes. Set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s, the film is about the power of human connection during turbulent times. It stars Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Monica Dolan, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Toby Jones, and Colin Firth. Sam Mendes is no stranger to meaningful and heartfelt storytelling. Empire of Light is another example of that. Set in an English coastal town in the 1980s, the story is all about love, friendship, and compassion. Everything is set around a fading cinema, a place where people have come for all sorts of needs throughout the years. Ramachandran, Naman (5 February 2023). " 'The Banshees of Inisherin', 'Tar' Lead London Critics' Circle Awards". Variety . Retrieved 5 February 2023. Tangcay, Jazz (5 March 2023). " 'Elvis' DP Mandy Walker Makes History as First Woman to Win Top Honors at American Society of Cinematographers Awards – Full Winners List". Variety . Retrieved 5 March 2023.

Grobar, Matt (21 December 2021). " 'Empire of Light': Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Crystal Clarke & Tanya Moodie Join Sam Mendes' Searchlight Pictures Drama". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 21 December 2021. The film was released for VOD on 7 February 2023, followed by a Blu-ray and DVD release on 21 February 2023. [18] [19] [20] Reception [ edit ] Critical response [ edit ] The performance of Olivia Colman received critical acclaim. EMPIRE OF LIGHT is Sam Mendes’ personal & loving ode to how cinema connects us all despite how different we all are. When you enter that theatre and the lights go down, all your troubles can be left at the door and you’re free to escape. At times, this movie achieves that very goal. The screenplay is a little all over the place and there are many important aspects I wish were delved into a little deeper. Still, Olivia Colman is extraordinary in what is another career highlight, and her chemistry with Micheal Ward is warm & tender. Vibrant cinematography & a gorgeously serene score that will fill your heart & give you goosebumps.

Filming began on 7 February 2022 at Margate on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. [10] [11] [12] The Dreamland Margate Cinema building was remodelled and renamed until 15 May 2022. [13] It was announced in April 2021 that Sam Mendes had set his next film, which he would write and direct himself at Searchlight Pictures. Olivia Colman was in talks to star and Roger Deakins was announced as cinematographer. [5] Colman was confirmed in July, with Micheal Ward also joining the cast. [6] In December, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Crystal Clarke and Tanya Moodie were added to the cast. [7] Tom Brooke and Hannah Onslow were confirmed to star in late February. [8] Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross composed the film's score. [9]

Disney has announced details on the home video release of the Searchlight Pictures film, “Empire Of Light”, which is from acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall) and has been nominated for an Academy Award. Anderson, Erik (12 December 2022). "Washington DC Critics go for 'Everything Everywhere All At Once', 'Glass Onion', 'The Banshees of Inisherin' ". AwardsWatch . Retrieved 13 December 2022. Empire of Light premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on 3 September 2022. [15] It received a limited theatrical release by Searchlight Pictures in the United States on 9 December 2022 and was released theatrically in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2023. [16] [17]The film arrives on Digital platforms in the United States on February 7th 2023, and Blu-ray and DVD on February 21st 2023, with never-before-seen bonus content featuring Sam Mendes and the cast that uncovers the story’s origins and the director’s love of cinema. The film will also be released on HBO Max in the United States on the same day and a day later on Disney+ in Canada. Toronto International Film Festival announces Empire of Light director Sam Mendes as recipient of TIFF Ebert Director Award" (Press release). TIFF.net. 16 August 2022 . Retrieved 1 March 2023. Wright, Joe (22 November 2021). "Empire of Light, starring Olivia Colman and directed by Sam Mendes, to be filmed at Dreamland in Margate". Kent Online . Retrieved 29 November 2021.