Empire of Light
Directed by Sam Mendes
Where to Watch Empire of Light
- Kevin WardJuly 5, 2025Olivia Colman and Michael Ward turn in incredibly touching performances in Sam Mendes saccharine sonnet to cinema. The screen glows with Roger Deakins always stunning cinematography. Though the tender and unlikely romance occupies most of the runtime, the meandering narrative never really establishes a central focal point. The script touches race, class, interracial relationships, mental health, sexual harassment, power dynamics; but these moments are so brief and are painted with such broad strokes that there’s not really much to glean from their inclusion. (Almost the exact same feeling I got from watching Armageddon Time). Still, the film is absolutely elevated by Colman and Ward. And damned if I can’t help but get sentimental over the power of cinema. As we all know, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.
Watch Empire of Light Videos
Empire of Light Trivia
Empire of Light was released on December 9, 2022.
Empire of Light was directed by Sam Mendes.
Empire of Light has a runtime of 1h 55m.
Empire of Light was produced by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris.
Hilary (Olivia Colman) is a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen (Micheal Ward) is a new employee longing to escape the provincial town where he faces daily adversity. Together they find a sense of belonging and experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community.
The key characters in Empire of Light are Hilary (Olivia Colman), Stephen (Micheal Ward), Norman (Toby Jones).
Empire of Light is rated R.
Empire of Light is a Drama, Romance film.
Empire of Light has an audience rating of 7.4 out of 10.
Empire of Light had a budget of $13.5M.
Empire of Light has made $11.4M at the box office.