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.

They are one of a kind, and just for you – they are divorced, beheaded and live at the Odyssey Cinema!

Global theatre phenomenon, SIX the Musical has captivated over 3.5 million audience members and earned double TONY Awards since its 2017 debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This electrifying production reimagines the long-misunderstood wives of Henry VIII as they step out of their infamous husband’s shadow to reclaim their narratives and rewrite history.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this powerhouse musical sees the six queens—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr - take centre stage, each styled on a queen in the popworld of today; but can you guess who?

Recorded at the Vaudeville Theatre, this special event reunites the original cast for an unforgettable celebration of history, music, and female empowerment – so grab your crowns and join the queendom.

Nearly 50 years after Christopher Reeve first brought DC’s iconic spandex-clad Kryptonian to the big screen, up-and-comer David Corenswet plays the Man of Steel with bountiful charm and sincerity.

Superhero cinema royalty James Gunn directs the latest adaptation of Superman, the lynchpin of a brand new DC Universe of interconnected films and television. It’s a big gamble; after 15 years of being eclipsed in the shadow of Marvel Studios’ unprecedented string of box office smashes, Superman offers a different kind of superhero film. Less reliant on snarky self-reflexive humour and sequel set-up, the film seeks to embody its eponymous hero’s values of ‘truth, justice and the American way’.

With a terrific cast, including the effervescent Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult (The Menu, Nosferatu) as supervillain Lex Luthor, alongside the ever-reliable Gunn behind the camera, Superman is a joyous adventure with a heart of gold.

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.

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.

WandaVision director Matt Shakman brings a fresh take on Marvel’s first family, who face an incomparable threat in the form of Ralph Ineson’s Galactus.

The 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the third iteration of the Fantastic Four on the silver screen, First Steps has a lot to live up to. Yet, it’s backed by perhaps the most impressive talent on- and off-screen of any MCU film in recent years. With an original score by Michael Giacchino and four revered actors taking on the lead roles, headed up by beloved everyman Pedro Pascal, the film delivers on its promise in spades.

Set in a parallel universe to the mainline Marvel series, the film has limited ties to its predecessors, giving Shakman the freedom to deliver a truly original, retrofuture-stylised take on the team, with visuals inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Turn it up to 11 — and celebrate 41 years of rock ‘n’ roll madness.

This Is Spinal Tap remains the ultimate rock mockumentary. Directed by Rob Reiner, this cult classic follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on a chaotic U.S. tour filled with hilarious misadventures, technical mishaps, and onstage disasters. Featuring unforgettable performances from Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, the film brilliantly satirises the wild excesses and eccentricities of rock ‘n’ roll life with sharp wit and infectious energy. Its iconic moments – from the mysterious disappearance of drummers to absurd stage props – have become a permanent part of pop culture.

More than just a comedy, This Is Spinal Tap offers a timeless, affectionate look at the highs and lows of fame, making it a must-see for music and comedy fans alike.

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.

Sing, smurf, repeat — the Smurfs are back and bolder than ever!

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously kidnapped by the mischievous wizards Razamel and Gargamel, it’s up to Smurfette (voiced by global superstar Rihanna) to rally the village on a daring rescue mission into the real world. Directed by Chris Miller and co‑directed by Matt Landon, this animated musical comedy blends charming adventure with family‑friendly humour. Alongside Rihanna, the star‑studded voice cast includes James Corden, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Daniel Levy, Octavia Spencer and more, each bringing their characterful flair to the mix

As Smurfette takes centre stage, the film bursts with catchy original songs – Rihanna produced new music for the soundtrack – and colourful, high‑energy animation (set partly in Paris!.)

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these little blue heroes for the first time, Smurfs offers a delightful, musical romp packed with heart, humour and a fresh, empowering twist.

Can it truly be the holidays without watching ‘The original summer blockbuster’, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic, at the cinema?

When a great white shark stakes a claim off the waters of the peaceful community Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town over the July 4th celebrations. Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help Brody capture the killer beast and the trio engage in an epic battle of man vs. nature. Verna Fields’ impeccable editing and John Williams’ swirling score round off the tremendous casting of this 70s masterpiece. Jaws remains a classic not just for how it changed the film industry, but because it is an exquisitely made monster movie that tapped into universal human fears and did so with iconic style.

Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration with André Rieu’s Waltz the Night Away! An all-new summer concert captured live from the stunning Vrijthof Square –  in his beloved hometown of Maastricht – is coming to cinemas!

Each night, the Vrijthof transforms into a grand ballroom as André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra invite audiences of all ages to waltz under the stars. With timeless melodies and beautiful waltzes, this concert will take you on a journey filled with joy, love, and heartfelt emotion.

Let yourself be swept away by one of the most romantic events of the year, bigger and more dazzling than ever, on the big screen. Bring someone special and create cherished memories as you Waltz the Night Away with André Rieu — only in cinemas this summer!

When a covert team is dispatched to secure the biomaterials of the largest remaining prehistoric species for an experimental new lifesaving treatment, they discover a race of mutated dinosaurs thirsty for blood.

An all-star cast leads this standalone sequel to the Jurassic World franchise. Renowned for his stunning visuals and lived-in environments, Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) is the latest director to reimagine the franchise first kick-started by Steven Spielberg. Bringing his signature grit and tactile filmmaking style, dinosaurs have never looked better on the big screen.

Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp returns to the franchise with a story accessible to new audiences which also rewards long-term fans. Tactfully exploring the dangers of climate change and biological experimentation, the film is a thoughtful and thrilling new chapter in the Jurassic saga with sharpened claws and no shortage of teeth.

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.

Having seen this film for the first time ten years ago at The Odyssey, it’s a true pleasure to see it return once again to our big screen!

This definitive edition of Ridley Scott’s timeless sci-fi dystopia inspired a generation of filmmakers and defined the ‘cyberpunk’ genre. It’s also the first film that made me deeply interested in the mechanics of filmmaking, in addition to a breadth of philosophical questions – what does it mean to be a human? What truly separates us from machines that can think, talk, and even look like us? These questions have only become more significant since Blade Runner first released in 1982, and its presentation of them is both prescient and profound.

Having spawned a Denis Villeneuve-directed sequel of near-comparable excellence, and with a new miniseries Blade Runner 2099 currently in post-production, there’s never been a better time to revisit this all-time classic, counted by Sight and Sound, IMDb and Empire as amongst the greatest films of all time.

Her truth became their weapon — but the silence still echoes.

Anna Politkovskaya (Maxine Peake) is a fearless Russian journalist whose defiant coverage of the Second Chechen War exposes Kremlin atrocities at great personal risk. Backed by her editor Dmitry Muratov (Ciarán Hinds) at Novaya Gazeta, Anna travels into war‑torn Chechnya, giving voice to civilians and rebels while enduring poisoning, threats, and intimidation. As tensions escalate, her marriage to broadcaster Sasha Politkovsky (Jason Isaacs) frays under the strain.

Directed by James Strong with Sean Penn as executive producer, Words of War offers a gripping biographical drama that honours Anna’s courage and the deeper meaning of press freedom in authoritarian regimes. Though its style is measured, Peake’s nuanced performance anchors a story that resonates starkly with today’s global threats to journalism.

Every story connects. Every truth cuts deep.

When 17 children vanish in unison at 2:17 AM in Maybrook, their tight‑knit community is thrust into terror. Teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) is left haunted by her empty classroom, while desperate parent Archer Graff (Josh Brolin) demands answers. As the town scrambles for explanations, police officer Paul Morgan (Alden Ehrenreich) uncovers a web of interlocking mysteries – ranging from grief and trauma to disturbing supernatural whispers. From the writer‑director of Barbarian, Weapons morphs from a chilling missing‑kids thriller into an expansive, genre‑defying horror epic that echoes Magnolia in its ensemble storytelling.

With Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan, Austin Abrams and more filling out this emotionally charged tapestry, the film evolves in unexpected, mind‑bending ways – promising a journey far beyond its eerie premise.

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.

A wonderful, magical world returns to our big screen for the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!

In Harry’s fourth year of witchcraft and wizardry at Hogwarts, he is faced with more challenges than ever in the Triwizard Tournament - ferocious fire-breathing dragons, the confusing maze of teenage love, and, most grievous of all, the return of the Dark Lord.

With the help of his long lost uncle and a new mysterious teacher, Harry, Ron and Hermione navigate another thrilling year at school, making new friends and piecing together the shadowy history of He Who Must Not Be Named.

Behind the fun and death defying games of the tournament, the threat of Voldemort’s dark magical power looms ever closer. Join us on this special anniversary to revisit the awes of the Triwizard Tournament, filled with excitement, danger, laughter, and most importantly, friendship!

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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.

Miloš Forman’s masterly drama of the passions, conspiracies, and messes behind classical music gets a new restoration for its 40th anniversary.

In late 18th century Vienna, Antonio Salieri devotes his life and soul to becoming a great composer – only to see an obnoxious young man called Mozart outperform him. Devastated, he plots to destroy his career and spite God for denying him greatness, leading to ruin for everyone. Already a major director for his Czech comedies and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Forman turned Peter Shaffer’s play into a grand epic of artistic rivalry that still feels modern and funny (Tom Hulce was cast from Animal House, and based his performance on John McEnroe). Besides sound-and-visual improvements, this release brings back the long-unavailable 1985 cut that originally won Best Picture, making it essential viewing.

Before becoming a prestigious Shakespearean actor and seven-time Oscar nominee, Richard Burton was Port Talbot schoolboy Rich Jenkins.

Widely considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, Richard Burton was a global star with formidable talent and inescapable fame. Whilst studying at Port Talbot Secondary School, he was taken under the wing of teacher Phillip Burton, who helped to oversee Jenkins’ transformation into the stage and screen legend he will forever be remembered as.

This delightful film shines the spotlight on Mr Burton (played by ever-reliable Toby Jones), who takes a shine to his talented pupil and endeavours to help him have the theatre career he also sought for himself. Up-and-comer Harry Lawtey (Joker: Folie à Deux) stars as the young Richard Burton profoundly impacted by his schoolmaster’s tutorship. The film is also beautifully scored by composer John Hardy, nephew of Robert Hardy, a lifelong friend of Burton’s.

Eva Victor writes and stars in their impressive directorial debut, a surprisingly humorous and healing story about coming to terms with past trauma.

English Professor Agnes teaches at the same rural New England college she attended as a grad student, living in the same home she used to rent with her best friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie) during their studies. When Lydie comes to stay with her, it becomes exceedingly clear that Agnes’ life has been moving slowly compared to her married, city-dwelling former roommate. Capturing the details that enrich friendships and the barely concealed vulnerabilities resulting from past experiences, Victor’s film skilfully balances humour and heartbreak as the trauma lurking behind Agnes’s troubles is gradually revealed.

Sorry, Baby is a captivating comedy-drama that avoids the reductive binary of hero or villain. Instead, Victor articulates the flaws of humanity, of people, but also the hope we can find in each other and ourselves.

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.

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.

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.

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!