Tim Key and Tom Basden write and lead a small, warm-hearted comedy about a tired musician brought to life by his millionaire fan.

Herb McGwyer is a folk singer far from his ex-bandmate, partner, and glory days, and obliged to play a concert just for Charles, a double lottery winner, on a remote private island. Awkwardness mounts when said partner is invited, just as a storm traps them all there – but Charles’s adoration, their beautiful surroundings, and an old spark might inspire one of Herb’s best performances yet. Based on their award-winning short, Key, Basden, and director James Griffiths tell a stirring story of renewal, backed by a lovely soundtrack and beautiful Welsh settings. They also balance first-rate English sitcom humour with surprising emotional depth, enhanced by Carey Mulligan’s performance as the ex.

A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) seems to have it all –  a chic career designing perfect pairings for New York’s elite. But on the night of her ninth successful client wedding, she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), a suave, ultra‑wealthy financier who’s instantly captivated – and John (Chris Evans), a charming, down‑on‑his‑luck actor who once held her heart.

Directed by Celine Song, whose acclaimed debut Past Lives explored the nuances of timing, memory and longing, Materialists is a modern romantic comedy with sharp wit and emotional depth. Song riffs on genre conventions while reflecting on love, class and consent in the city. With smart performances from Johnson, Pascal and Evans, Materialists blends sparkling humour with heartfelt introspection, asking whether true romance can flourish against the backdrop of money and status.

An uplifting and emotional journey through three chapters in the life of an ordinary man – starring Tom Hiddleston.

Mike Flanagan’s name has become synonymous with horror, after his successful adaptations of beloved ghost classics The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor. The Life of Chuck is the third of his collaborations with Stephen King, whose work he previously adapted in Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. Less interested in scares than in life affirming sincerity, the film is a cosy science fiction tale of an extraordinary ordinary man called Charles Kantz, ever present in the lives of every citizen of a town on the brink of apocalypse. The less said the better. The film unfolds like an uplifting reminder that everyone contains multitudes.

We are very pleased to bring you a special advanced preview screening on Tuesday 12th August ahead of its UK release.

Wes Anderson loads an alternate-1960s spy caper with his usual flair, soul, and whimsical wit.

By his tenth near-fatal plane crash, Zsa-zsa Korda is ruling a massive arms, air, and infrastructure empire stretching across Europe – but nine grasping sons, and threats to his business from all corners, make his position uneasy. Settling everything on his nun daughter and with a dotty tutor for protection, he embarks on an epic journey to reconnect with her and protect his business. Writer-director Anderson harks back to the adventure films of yesteryear (e.g. Charade, Topkapi) in tandem with his regular style: intricate chocolate-box visuals, tightly controlled farce, and unexpected emotional depth. He also remains beloved by first-rate actors, with Benicio del Toro backed by a cast ranging from Tom Hanks as a rival tycoon to Willem Dafoe as “Knave”.

The ultimate body-swap comedy is back - and it’s freakier than ever.

Two decades after their first magical mix-up, Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and her mom Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) return for another round of chaos - this time with Anna’s own teenage daughter in the mix. When a new twist on the old spell causes multiple swaps across generations, things go hilariously sideways.

Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt throwbacks, and updated chaos for the 2020s, Freakier Friday is a smart, sweet sequel that hits all the nostalgic beats while keeping it fresh for new viewers. Lohan and Curtis still have electric chemistry, and seeing them navigate modern life through each other’s bodies (again) is just as funny as it was in 2003.

Whether you grew up with the original or you’re watching it for the first time, this freaky family adventure delivers.

The newly minted Good Guys are forced out of retirement to do ‘one last job’ by a rival criminal cabal – The Bad Girls!

Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Ms. Tarantula and Mr. Piranha are back! Having defeated the evil guinea pig Professor Marmalade, the Bad Guys are enjoying a tranquil retirement, gradually transforming into ‘The Good Guys’. But their attempt at an honest life doesn’t last long. Having inspired copycat criminals The Bad Girls, they’re forced to take part in one last heist – and it’s their biggest and baddest yet.

With all the dynamic, Spiderverse-inspired animation of its predecessor, and several new additions to an impressive voice cast (including Natasha Lyonne and Maria Bakalova as two of the Bad Girls), this film raises the stakes, offering both a compelling heist and a beating heart, as DreamWorks competes valiantly for Pixar’s crown.

From the team behind Top Gun: Maverick, F1 is a turbo-charged thrill ride that flies by with no rubber left unburned.

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver forced out of retirement to mentor rookie racer Noah Pearce (Damson Idris). The film is committed to a hyper-realistic depiction of top-speed auto

racing. Principal photography took place at Silverstone, including scenes shot during the 2023 British Grand Prix. As such, it features appearances from all ten Formula One teams and their drivers in the 2023 season, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, screenwriter Ehren Kruger and cinematographer Claudio Miranda all seek to recreate that film’s Best Picture-nominated lightning in a bottle. Amplified by heart-pumping sound design and a score composed by the indomitable Hans Zimmer, it’s sure to be a thrilling adventure with relentless action.

Christophe Barratier’s crowd-pleasing modern classic, of a teacher bringing life to a boarding school through song in postwar France, finally arrives at the Odyssey.

In 1949, would-be musician Clément takes up a post at Fond de L’Étang, where “difficult” boys are isolated and disciplined. Finding in them a liking for singing, he creates a choir for them as a source of joy, connection, and potential for everyone – but the unbending headmaster and threats of violence from other boys soon threaten to tear them apart. Loosely based on a real story and nominated for two Oscars, Barratier’s film tells an unashamedly old-fashioned story with warmth, spirit, and the right balance of sentimentality. It remains convincing and moving through its performances, not least those of the painstakingly cast child singers and actors who make up the choir.

Four Letters of Love is a romantic drama directed by Polly Steele, adapted from Niall Williams' 1997 novel – starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne, Fionn O'Shea, and Ann Skelly.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Ireland's windswept coasts, the story follows Nicholas (O'Shea) and Isabel (Skelly), two young individuals whose lives are shaped by fate, faith, and the complexities of family and desire. Nicholas's father, William (Brosnan), experiences a divine revelation that compels him to abandon his job and pursue painting. Isabel's parents are portrayed by Bonham Carter and Byrne. As Nicholas and Isabel navigate their own journeys of heartache and misplaced love, destiny intertwines their paths, leading to a profound connection that challenges the odds.

A life-affirming tale, which delves into themes of heartache, spiritual searching, and the miracle of love.

Ethan Hunt will stop at nothing to prevent a malicious AI program from falling into the wrong hands.

Under the adrenaline-fuelled direction of Christopher McQuarrie, the Mission: Impossible franchise has been revolutionised into an extraordinary series of unprecedented scope and death-defying spectacle. Now arrives the eighth entry in the series, in which Tom Cruise yet again willingly and gleefully returns to perform in-camera stunts no other major star would dare to attempt.

The Final Reckoning promises to be the most ambitious and adventurous mission yet. Shot across the globe in Malta, South Africa, Norway and the UK, its production budget quickly spiralled to over $400 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made. Despite the series’ long history, the film can be enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike, and promises to be a thrilling adventure worthy of the big screen, should you choose to accept.

The profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor and Moth Winn’s 630-mile trek along the beautiful but rugged Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline – with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs starring in the lead roles.

After being forcibly removed from their home, they make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance. With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination. The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.

Based on the prize-winning bestselling book of the same name – with over 2 million copies sold worldwide – you’ll be glad you caught this one on the big screen.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman spar in a merciless divorce black comedy, of an upper-middle-class marriage that sinks into violent warfare.

An architect and chef in San Francisco have been comfortable with their children, friends, and each other for years, but friction begins when their careers rocket in opposite directions.

Before long, small disagreements have become openly dangerous sabotages – and by the time they reach the lawyers’ office, relations have become positively murderous. Drawing from Danny DeVito’s classic The Wars of the Roses and its source novel, Meet The Parents director Jay Roach and The Favourite screenwriter Tony McNamara retell an all-too-familiar story: sharp verbal fencing and surreal physical comedy hide a more grounded emotional core of love souring. Already individually brilliant, Cumberbatch and Colman bring out a new level of comedic potential in each other.

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie.

Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright?

Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie, with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.

From A24 Films, a contemporary Western black comedy steeped in the confusion of post-truth politics amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) implements a lockdown in Eddington, New Mexico, he is challenged by local sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), who believes the new rules violate freedom of choice. An increasingly tumultuous and bizarre mayoral election campaign ensues, with neighbour pitted against neighbour as this small-town community attempts to reconcile with a global new normal.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, whose career has shifted from defiant horror beginnings (Hereditary, Midsommar), to Kafkaesque satire in Beau Is Afraid. Eddington is most comparable to the latter, but is very much its own entity, with a unique comedic approach blending elements from multiple genres. Featuring a terrific cast and tackling American political division with a heavy dose of wit, this is not one to miss on the big screen.

Screening in partnership with Sustainable St Albans – Working together for an environmentally sustainable district.

This September, Susfest highlights sustainable travel and transport in both familiar and surprising ways.

Together We Cycle explores how cycling became central to Dutch culture. While many assume cycling is simply part of Dutch life, the reality is more complex. Until the 1970s, the Netherlands followed global trends, prioritising car travel. Cities were redesigned for cars, and the bicycle seemed outdated.

Yet, Dutch society changed course. Against all odds, people kept cycling. Why? There’s no single answer. A mix of social movements, public policy, and civic action reshaped the country’s approach to mobility.

This thought-provoking documentary follows the key players and pivotal moments behind the shift. It’s the story of how a car-centred future was reimagined—and how the Netherlands became a model for cycling-friendly infrastructure, where bikes are now the everyday choice.

Join us for this inspiring screening and conversation about rethinking transport for a greener future.

He has a particular set of skills – and he’s not afraid to use them!

Liam Neeson stars in the next chapter of the Naked Gun franchise, which serves both as a legacy sequel to Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994) and as a soft reboot. As Frank Drebin Jr, son to the character played by Leslie Nielsen in David Zucker’s films, Neeson here parodies his own extensive back catalogue of police procedurals and B-movie action fare. He effortlessly exchanges sincerity for satire with endlessly watchable comedic timing.

Having been in development since 2013, the film has been through various iterations before producer Seth MacFarlane joined the project. With a proven track record of sharp parody work, Akiva Schaffer of The Lonely Island sits in the director’s chair, honouring the franchise’s past whilst bringing it decisively into the 21st century.

A terrific cast lead this understated, atmospheric drama about forbidden love in 1950s California.

Upon returning home from the Korean War, Lee (Will Poulter) is eager to settle down with his wife Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones). Their plans are thwarted by the arrival of fellow veteran Julius, Lee’s brother, who disrupts their lives and reveals that love knows no bounds.

From acclaimed television director Daniel Minahan (Six Feet Under, Deadwood) and producer Peter Spears (Nomadland, Call Me By Your Name), On Swift Horses is a stellar queer drama, with sensitive and emotionally layered performances from several soon-to-be-A-Listers.

James Stewart and Kim Novak star in one of the most influential and highly regarded films ever made, establishing a new gold standard for the thriller genre that has yet to be bested.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo is a mainstay of filmmaking courses and film studies modules for a reason. Not only does it pioneer cinematic techniques still used today; the film features a truly great story. When former police detective Scottie is hired to follow a the beautiful and deeply disturbed wife of an old acquaintance, he spirals into a dark abyss of obsession.

The first screening of our film club, hand-picked by our staff, Vertigo is a thrilling tour-de-force in rising tension and surrealism. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to avoid all spoilers beforehand, and prepare yourselves for one of the greatest films ever made.

“Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now.

And now, the filmed version of the original Broadway production of Hamilton is coming to cinemas – for one night only, in celebration of 10 years!

Combining the best elements of live theatre and film this cultural phenomenon has taken the world be storm.

Blending a groundbreaking score of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton reimagines the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, sparking a revolutionary moment in theatre. The musical has left a lasting impact on culture, politics, and education. Filmed live at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June 2016, the film captures the energy and intimacy of the stage production, transporting audiences directly into the heart of the show.

A new documentary about a Scottish village and its World Porridge Making Championship makes for a wonderfully gentle story of competition and community.

In October 2023, the small Cairngorm settlement of Carrbridge woke up slightly, as 20 international competitors descended on the village hall aiming for the title of World’s Best Porridge. Founded almost 30 years before, the film follows the event’s history and its people on the day: from health food company co-founder “burning with desire” to win, to the long-time organiser preparing to step down, who recounts the terrible year someone tried to enter using a deep fryer. Opera director Constantine Costi covers the event quietly, and with palpable warmth and interest: by the end the competition has become so cosy yet gripping that you wish to attend the next one in person.

Fresh from a Grand Prix triumph at the Berlinale, Brendan Canty and Alan O’Gorman tell a stirring story of life reawakening for a teenager in working-class Ireland.

On the edges of Cork, 17-year-old Christy has been left damaged by his mother’s death and let down by a broken social care system, and must turn to his estranged half-brother for a place to stay. While there, he begins to find a new family, community, and direction in life – but their violent histories, and the dangerous realities around them, will not make it straightforward. Making their feature debut from a 2019 short film, Canty and O’Gorman balance unsentimental realities with cinematic luminosity and a genuine, mounting sense of hope and connection, making for a new coming-of-age classic. Newcomer Danny Power stands out as the stoic, vulnerable lead.

The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawleys and their staff as they enter the 1930s.

With the Great Depression in full swing, and World War II a storm cloud on the horizon, it’s a time of seismic socio-economic upheaval – making the gilded existence of the landed gentry suddenly feel very precarious indeed.

The whole bloodline is back – from upper-crust icons like Hugh Bonneville’s 7th Earl Of Grantham and his bothersome daughters Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Edith (Laura Carmichael), to below-stairs favourites including gentleman’s gentleman Mr Carson (Jim Carter) and his housekeeper wife, Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan). The renowned halls of Downton are graced with fresh new characters like Noel Coward and his iconic wit, the return of Harold (Paul Giamatti), and Allesandro Nivola as Sambrook, Harold’s mysterious financial advisor with his dubious charm.

As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter.

Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality – and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn't join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll.

Cillian Murphy has played a physicist, a supervillain, and a gangster: Now he’s playing Steve.

The film follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Oscar winner Cillian Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them.

As Steve fights to protect the school's integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health.

In parallel to Steve's struggles, we meet Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.

Based on Max Porter’s bestselling novel Shy and directed by Tim Mielants who recently directed Murphy in another fantastic book adaptation - Small Things Like These.

Samurai films have had an undeniable impact on cinema history, and Harakiri is arguably the genre’s crowning achievement. It is currently the highest rated narrative feature on Letterboxd, and for very good reason.

During the Edo period, a ronin named Tsugumo Hanshiro arrives at the prosperous House of Iyi with one request; to perform ‘Harakri’ (or Seppuku) on their premises so that he may die honourably, as opposed to spending the rest of his days as a vagrant. The Iyi Clan suspects the man is actually seeking charity, but in their attempts to scare him off, Tsugumo Hanshiro’s true resolve begins to reveal itself…

Harakiri is a film that unites the humanist concerns of classic samurai cinema with the anti-authoritarian streak of the Japanese New Wave movement, and time has not diminished its bite or its relevance. Its plot is deeply engrossing, the direction of Masaki Kobayashi is laser focused, and the central performance by Tatsuya Nakadai is nothing short of titanic. The result is arguably the greatest samurai drama ever made, and one of the greatest films of all time.  

A former baseball player seeks to build a new life for himself and escape his past in New York City, only to become immersed in its criminal underbelly.

The latest film by auteur director Darren Aronofsky (The Whale, Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream) is unlike any other in his filmography: a 90s-set crime thriller laden with punk imagery and iconography, including Matt Smith’s orange-spiked mohawk. In agreeing to take care of Smith’s character Russ’ cat for a few days, Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) becomes unwittingly embroiled in a series of encounters with threatening gangsters – and he has no idea why.

Sound-tracked by the incomparable English post-punk band IDLES (the result of a chance meeting between the band and Aronofsky backstage at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), the film authentically carves out its own identity, injecting punk sound and aesthetics back into the mainstream.

Just in time for Halloween, lock your doors and keep quiet – the zombies are coming!

The film that reanimated interest in the zombie subgenre, George A. Romero’s classic film is a thrilling example of low-budget guerrilla filmmaking. Shot on a modest budget of only $100,000 and filmed in a condemned warehouse, the film quickly garnered a cult following and soon became one of the most influential horror films of all time.

Reimagining the design and movement of zombies (or ‘ghouls’, as they’re called in this film), here Romero established the iconic archetype still used in films today – flesh-eating corpses devoid of human emotion on account of a malignant disease spread by infection. Ironically, Romero drew much inspiration for the film from Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend (1954), whilst Night of the Living Dead went on to heavily influence the 2007 film adaptation of the novel, starring Will Smith.

Special Screening in Support of OVO’s New Barn Theatre

In partnership with OVO Theatre

Step into the glamour of the Roaring Twenties with a special screening of The Great Gatsby — Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the mysterious Jay Gatsby.

This event supports OVO Theatre’s exciting new venture: transforming the 17th-century St Germain’s Barn in St Albans into a year-round venue for emerging performers, creatives, and crew from diverse backgrounds. Patrons of the project include Brian Cox CBE, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ralph Fiennes, and Zoë Wanamaker CBE.

Donations will be gratefully received on the evening as OVO works toward its next goal of raising £50,000 to bring this inspiring project to life.

Dress to impress! 1920s attire is encouraged for a truly Gatsby-esque experience.

Learn more or donate online: https://ovo.org.uk/support-the-barn/

Enjoy a night of film, fashion, and community spirit — and help support the future of theatre.

Mystery, intrigue, beauty, passion, murder – shine a new light on Caravaggio in this dramatic biography.

Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before.

Multi-award-winning filmmakers David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky delve into the hidden narratives of Caravaggio’s life, piecing together clues embedded within his incredible art. The intriguing self-depictions within his works — sometimes disguised, sometimes in plain sight — offer a rare window into his psyche and personal struggles. Join us as we unravel the story of one of history’s most brilliant, complex and controversial figures.

This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert – “Merry Christmas” and experience joyful carols, beautiful waltzes,and plenty of surprises – it’s the ultimate Christmas cinema event!

With his fabulous Johann Strauss Orchestra, and special guests including the sensational Emma Kok and over 400 brass players bringing the majestic sound of Christmas, André’s concert is bursting with warmth, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Christmas is André’s favourite time of year - and he can’t wait to share this spectacular concert with you, only in cinemas!