Juror #2 is a 2024 courtroom drama-thriller directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, and Kiefer Sutherland. The film follows Justin Kemp (Hoult), a devoted family man serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial. As the case unfolds, Justin realizes that he may have been responsible for the victim's death in a reckless driving accident. This discovery forces him into a moral dilemma: should he use his knowledge to sway the jury’s verdict and protect himself, or let an innocent person face conviction? Kemp’s struggle between justice and self-preservation is at the heart of this tense thriller.

Ismail Merchant and James Ivory (and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala – the scriptwriter who was an essential part of the triumvirate) made some of the most successful and popular films of the last 40 years – Room With A View, Remains of the Day, Howard’s End and many more. Their films starred many household names, such as Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Anthony Hopkins who all appear in this fond but clear-eyed documentary which follows not only their career and their films, but also their relationship; Merchant and Ivory were both business and life partners.

The film gives us a chance to see the bigger picture of how they came to make so many interesting films, and also how infuriating and impossible it was to work for them. A must watch for all their fans.

MERCHANT IVORY is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant and their primary associates, writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and composer Richard Robbins. Footage from more than fifty interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work of consummate quality and intelligence.

With six Oscar winners among the notable artists participating, these close and often long-term collaborators intimately detail the transformational cinematic creativity and personal and professional drama of the wandering company that left an indelible impact on film culture.

Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring festive charm to Peter Wright’s beloved Royal Ballet production, as fairytale magic comes together with spectacular dancing in this unforgettable classic ballet.

Choreography: Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov | Music: Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky

Wicked is the highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, based on the hit Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. This epic fantasy tells the untold story of two iconic figures—Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman born with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular, ambitious student. Set at Shiz University, the film follows their unlikely friendship as they navigate prejudice, power, and the dark political forces in the Land of Oz. While Glinda basks in privilege, Elphaba’s defiance of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) leads her down a path that transforms her into the Wicked Witch of the West. As their lives take opposing directions, their choices ripple across Oz, forever altering its future. Featuring stunning performances and iconic music, Wicked delivers a reimagined origin story of the witches of Oz, challenging what it truly means to be “Wicked.”

It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids.

Before there was Bad Santa, the Griswolds were already besmirching the holiness of Christmas with general ill will and sarcasm. That’s not what they set out to do, of course. In fact, having survived both Wally World and Europe, Clark (funniest man alive Chevy Chase) and his family are now attempting to have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas.” What could go wrong?

Screening as part of our 6 for £6 each Christmas Films Season

Moana 2 is the thrilling sequel to Disney's beloved 2016 animated musical. This time, Moana, now a seasoned wayfinder, receives an unexpected call from her ancestors that leads her on a daring new adventure beyond the familiar shores of Motunui.

Accompanied by the ever-powerful demigod Maui and a fresh crew of unlikely seafarers, Moana embarks on a journey deep into the far seas of Oceania. Their mission: to break an ancient curse that threatens a long-lost island once vital to her ancestors. Along the way, Moana and her companions must face dangerous waters, hidden islands, and mysterious foes—including a formidable sea monster.

The third instalment brings Paddington's story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.

The incredible ensemble cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Carla Tous and Jim Broadbent. Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton both return as the voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy.

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

A celebration of youth, friendship and the everlasting magic of the movies, Cinema Paradiso won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and is considered a classic of world cinema. Restored in 4K.

Giuseppe Tornatore’s loving homage to the cinema tells the story of Salvatore, a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend who was the projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood.

Soon memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena and all the highs and lows that shaped his life come flooding back, as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.

A homage to the inspirational power of the moving image, played out to a gorgeous score by the maestro Ennio Morricone..

Screening as part of our year-long season - CINEMA ON SCREEN

The lives of three women intersect and overlap in a haunting drama that sees the city of Mumbai play a central role. Prabha, Anu and Parvaty are employees at a hospital in Mumbai. They grapple daily with the opportunities and hardships of existence in the city. Balancing an immersive verité style with a touch of the surreal, Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix-winning drama captures the many shades of working-class life in Mumbai. The result is a profound and deeply humanist meditation on urban migration and dislocation.

Neil’s Pick of the Month and in his Top 3 films of 2024