Empire of Light - A Movie Review

Find the light and keep moving forward.

Empire of Light is a 2022 film. The story is set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s, in the Empire movie theater. Hilary connects with a young man named Stephen. Experiencing the usual day-to-day norms at the theater, there is something unusual about Hilary’s behavior.

Empire of Light is one of those slice-of-life films. Some viewers don’t like these types of films due to their slow pace, but I have always found a connection with them. While it sends a positive message to look out for your mental health, its story feels hollow.

Olivia Colman is an astounding actress. As she is coming into her own as an actress I’ve noticed that she is being typecast as manic women. There’s more to Hilary behind that smile. Coming from a troubled past, she makes her best to be positive. Colman delivers a heartwrenching monologue that made my heart feel heavy.

The setting for the film is very important. Taking place in a movie theater, it was a lively setting. You never know what customers you’re going to deal with. One of my favorite aspects of any film is when it’s character based. An assortment of employees with varying personalities are introduced but we never dive into their pasts.

Credits include Michael Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, and Hannah Onslow. Some casting choices were odd, specifically with Firth who didn’t fit right in the setting. My favorite was Jones. Having his own specific way of handling the films, I wish he could have had more screen time.

I enjoyed all the moments when the employees interacted. Lately, I have noticed more films instituting a positive message about co-workers. Work relationships are so important. Co-workers will always look out for one another.

I thought the story was focusing on Hilary until midway, Stephen (Michael Ward) has the screen. First, I’m a little disappointed that Empire of Light is another film that displays an adult relationship with a much younger individual.

These relationships are not right to showcase in films, especially now. It sends viewers the wrong message. Hilary and Stephen’s friendship is more meaningful than a relationship. The film also flip-flops between a relationship and friendship.

The film has random scenes instead of one concise story. There is more to it. Longer than I anticipated. I thought it was going to end three times.

Empire of Light starts in the movie theater, but it ends in a different location. Ending it in the movie theater was the proper conclusion. The movie theater is a noteworthy symbol. It’s the place where the magic happens. It’s an escape from reality.

Sam Mendes released Empire of Light at the right time. Mental health was not taken seriously in the 80s as it is now. Mental health is not a joke. Look after yourself and look out for others. This film does a wonderful job instituting both.

Empire of Light makes an excellent point. No one is going to give you the life you want. You must go out and get it. Empire of Light is a coming-of-age story. All age groups can relate to it. When I saw it, I was the youngest person in the theater. We’re all figuring out life. Who says we have our lives figured out in our 40s?

Take caution as the film includes sexual scenes. Other than that it is a splendid film. The story may not be the strongest but Empire of Light is worth the watch, especially for awards season.