Empire Of Light - 2022 - 6/10

Hilary is the duty manager of the Empire Theatre.
Word has it that the theatre will premier a new film, “Chariots Of Fire.”
Time, 1981, place appears to be Margate, a seaside town.
The theatre has a staff of 6-7, which takes one back to before video rentals slashed attendance.
Hilary sees a therapist who inquires about her Lithium dosage.
Like most, she feels numb; like many, she skips her meds from time to time.

Although other films are referenced, and there is a feast of posters, old photos, lobby cards, this is essentially a character study.
Hilary soon bonds with new hire Stephen who has seen his own dreams crushed amidst racism, sexism, violence.
The film bites into several topics, without getting too obvious or righteous.
Rapier like, making points, stepping back.