Based on the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” WIDOW CLICQUOT follows Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (1777–1866) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying poetic, unconventional François, the heir of a winemaking family. Named Veuve (the French word for widow) at age 27, she is determined to protect her family’s legacy and boldly challenge the men — as well as the state — set on stripping her of her vineyards. Determined to advance her husband's theories about soil chemistry, the configuring of vines, and revolutionary techniques in bottling, Barbe-Nicole wagers on the next harvest and her own blend of sparkling wine. Challenged by the irregularity of the seasons, the aggressive competitor Monsieur Moët, and the Napoleonic Code of 1804 barring women from running businesses, the elegant and luminous widow must succeed or lose everything. Telling the tale in retrospect and reflection over a 10-year span from approximately 1797 to 1807, director Thomas Napper entwines a sparkling story of flourishing female entrepreneurship with an account of doomed lovers whose legacy reverberates in the bubbles. A rousing toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women. Cheers!
When Kira seeks refuge from her complicated love life in a quiet Scottish coastal town, she meets Ian, a kindred spirit dealing with his own family struggles. As they form a deep connection, their time together is fleeting, and both return to London, unaware they now share the same city. Can they find each other again? And will they grow into the people they need to be before that moment comes? Aylin Tezel’s tender debut film is a poetic and intimate exploration of longing. The piano score, composed by Ben Lukas Boysen and Jon Hopkins, beautifully captures the reflective and melancholic emotions of the characters, whose identities seem suspended in transition. Julian Krubasik's camerawork enhances the sense of fragility as Kira and Ian open up to one another. Expansive shots of the rugged, snowy Skye landscape evoke a feeling of liberation, offering a space where Kira and Ian can truly be themselves. This starkly contrasts with the cramped, bustling streets of London, reflecting the characters' exhaustion and sense of confinement. With sensitivity and insight, FALLING INTO PLACE offers a hopeful perspective on love, relationships and family.
In the final months of King Henry VIII's reign, his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, faces the perilous challenges of the Tudor court. Portrayed by Alicia Vikander, Parr is a champion of progressive ideals, courageously advocating for change. Her beliefs, however, put her at odds with the ailing and increasingly paranoid monarch, played by Jude Law. When Henry appoints her as Regent in his absence, Parr's newfound authority unsettles the courtiers, who begin to plot against her and cast doubt on her loyalty to the King. FIREBRAND is a captivating historical drama that shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked story of Katherine Parr. Vikander brings depth and intelligence to the role of the determined Queen, while Law's portrayal of the volatile Henry VIII is a standout performance. Directed by Karim Aïnouz, the film boasts stunning visuals, a sharp script, and a talented supporting cast, including Simon Russell Beale, Eddie Marsan, and Sam Riley. FIREBRAND weaves a gripping tale of ambition, survival, and the power struggles faced by a formidable woman in a world that undervalues her intellect.
Returning with his 23rd film, director Mike Leigh reunites with Marianne Jean-Baptiste (SECRETS & LIES) to craft a challenging yet compassionate exploration of modern family life in London. This latest work is darkly humorous and full of piercing insights, focusing on the dynamics within an extended family. At the centre is Pansy (Jean-Baptiste), a hypersensitive woman quick to take offense and prone to outbursts. She relentlessly criticises her husband Curtley (David Webber) and their adult son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett), to the point where they no longer bother to argue. Pansy picks fights with strangers and enumerates the world’s flaws to anyone who will listen, particularly her cheerful sister Chantal (Michele Austin), who may be the only one still capable of showing her empathy. As the film reveals Pansy’s pain and the impact it has on her family, it explores whether they will reach a breaking point. Leigh’s trademark humour and attention to detail infuse each scene with tenderness, offering a profound understanding of these complex characters and why even the most difficult among them deserves compassion.
The world's best boss - Feathers McGraw is back with a vengeance. A brand-new epic Wallace & Gromit family adventure, the first full length feature film in 19 years since BAFTA and Academy Award-winning THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT. From the brilliant Aardman and four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham comes WALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL. In this next installment, Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!