Empire of Light 2022
Directed by
Sam Mendes
Made by
Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
In 1980, Hilary Small works diligently as a duty manager at the Empire Cinema in Margate, situated on the picturesque north coast of Kent, England. Battling bipolar disorder, she navigates her life alone, relying on lithium prescribed by her GP, while engaging in a complicated affair with her boss, Donald Ellis.
The atmosphere changes when the charming Stephen, a Black British newcomer, steps into the cinema. Living with his devoted mother, Delia, who works as a nurse, Stephen quickly captivates Hilary’s attention. Their bond deepens as she introduces him to the cinema’s enchanting but neglected upper floor.
However, with Stephen’s growing friendship with a younger employee named Janine, Hilary’s jealousy simmers beneath the surface. A spontaneous kiss during a New Year’s Eve fireworks display ignites a passionate sexual relationship. In her newfound happiness, Hilary decides to stop her medication and cut ties with Donald.
As the couple grows closer, Hilary witnesses the harsh realities of the world through Stephen’s experiences. After seeing him confront skinheads on the streets and dealing with the fallout from a racist customer, she begins to understand the challenges he faces. They enjoy moments at the beach, where Stephen reminisces about his first love, Ruby, who is also a nurse at the same hospital as Delia. When Hilary is pressed to share her past, her emotions spill over, leading to an intense outburst as she destroys their sandcastle.
Their secret romance does not go unnoticed; Neil, a colleague, warns Stephen about the potential dangers of being involved with Hilary, especially concerning her mental health. Meanwhile, the cinema is set to host the regional premiere of Chariots of Fire, and in a fit of manic energy, Hilary delivers a chaotic speech, ultimately revealing her affair with Donald to his unsuspecting wife. This leads to a rapid decline in Hilary’s mental state.
When Stephen checks on her at her flat, the situation escalates dramatically as mental health authorities force their way in, taking Hilary for reevaluation and treatment.
After a few weeks, the cinema returns to normalcy with Donald’s departure and Stephen’s training with Norman as the projectionist. He even runs into Ruby again, reawakening their romance. Meanwhile, Hilary is discharged from the hospital, and Stephen encourages her to experience a movie at the cinema—something she has never managed to do despite her role.
During her welcome-back party, however, the atmosphere turns menacing when a group of skinheads protest outside, culminating in an assault on Stephen. The movie’s events drag Hilary back to the hospital with him, where she is introduced to Stephen’s mother.
As Stephen recuperates, Hilary finds it hard to approach him. During this time, Norman shares his own parenting regrets and advises her against running away from her feelings. Realizing her love for Stephen, she visits him at the hospital and hears from his mother how much he cherishes her. Excited, Hilary rushes back to the cinema to have Norman play Being There for her.
When Stephen returns, he expresses his intention to leave town for college, a decision spurred by Hilary’s guidance. At a farewell dinner with Ruby and his mother, Stephen reflects fondly on his time with Hilary. The two later meet in a park, where Hilary gifts Stephen a book, marking a bittersweet farewell.
As Stephen boards his train, he opens the book to find a passage from High Windows by Philip Larkin, capturing a poignant moment of their story—a memory that will linger over both their lives.
Timeline
Hilary's Role at the Empire Cinema
In 1980, Hilary Small works diligently as a duty manager at the Empire Cinema in Margate, England. Despite her commitment to the job, she struggles with bipolar disorder and navigates her complex personal life alone, relying on medication prescribed by her GP.
The Arrival of Stephen
The dynamic at the cinema changes when Stephen, a charming Black British newcomer, arrives. He quickly captivates Hilary's attention and they form an immediate connection as he moves in with his devoted mother, Delia.
Exploring the Upper Floor
As Hilary and Stephen grow closer, she introduces him to the cinema's neglected upper floor, a hidden gem filled with charm and allure. Their bond deepens as they share moments in this magical space, leading to an emotional attachment.
New Year's Eve Kiss
During a New Year's Eve celebration, Hilary and Stephen share a spontaneous kiss amid the fireworks. This moment sparks a passionate sexual relationship that transforms both of their lives and leads Hilary to make significant changes.
Hilary Stops Medication
In her newfound happiness with Stephen, Hilary decides to stop taking her medication and cuts ties with her affair with Donald, her boss. This decision marks a pivotal moment in her journey, filled with both joy and impending challenges.
Facing Reality
As their relationship develops, Hilary witnesses the harsh realities of life through Stephen's experiences with racism and prejudice. His confrontations with skinheads shake her understanding of the world and deepen her emotional connection with him.
Sharing Testimonies
Stephen opens up to Hilary about his first love, Ruby, who is also connected to his mother Delia through her nursing career. When pressed to share her past, Hilary's emotions overflow, leading to an intense moment as she destroys a sandcastle they built.
Neil's Warning
Neil, a colleague, expresses concern to Stephen about the potential dangers of his relationship with Hilary, particularly due to her mental health issues. This warning foreshadows future complications in their romance.
Chaos at the Premiere
Amidst the chaos of the regional premiere of *Chariots of Fire*, Hilary delivers a chaotic speech that inadvertently exposes her affair with Donald. This public revelation leads to an emotional breakdown and intensifies her mental health struggles.
Forced Reevaluation
After Hilary's mental state deteriorates, mental health authorities arrive at her flat to take her for reevaluation. This intervention highlights the severity of her condition and sets into motion her journey towards recovery.
Return to Normalcy
As life at the cinema returns to normal, Stephen trains with Norman as the projectionist. He encounters Ruby, reigniting old feelings, while Hilary is discharged from the hospital and is eager to return to the cinema.
Welcome-Back Party
During Hilary's welcome-back party at the cinema, tensions rise when skinheads protest outside, leading to a violent altercation involving Stephen. This incident pulls Hilary back into a tumultuous experience, reminding her of the dangers that linger.
Hospital Visit
Following the assault, Hilary accompanies Stephen to the hospital, where she meets his mother, Delia. In this vulnerable setting, Hilary hears how much Stephen cherishes her, which rekindles her hopes for their relationship.
Bittersweet Farewell
As Stephen prepares to leave for college, he reflects on his time with Hilary during a farewell dinner with Ruby and his mother. Their final meeting in the park becomes a poignant moment where Hilary gifts him a book, symbolizing their connection.
A Lasting Memory
As Stephen boards the train, he discovers a passage from *High Windows* by Philip Larkin in the book Hilary gave him. This moment encapsulates their bittersweet relationship, leaving both with memories that will linger long after they've parted.
Characters
Hilary Small
Hilary is a dedicated duty manager at the Empire Cinema who battles against her bipolar disorder while trying to find love. Her emotional journey portrays a woman striving for connection amidst her mental health struggles. Despite her vulnerabilities, she shows remarkable strength and depth, ultimately driving the emotional core of the narrative.
Stephen
Stephen is a charming newcomer to the cinema, whose youthful energy captivates Hilary. As a Black British man, he faces the realities of racism, which influence his relationship with Hilary and shape his character. His growth throughout the film highlights themes of identity and the intersection of love and societal challenges.
Donald Ellis
Donald is Hilary's boss, embodying complexities of power dynamics in their affair. Though initially charming, his character reveals darker facets as the story unfolds, ultimately leading Hilary into a tumultuous emotional space. His role depicts the challenges of love mingled with authority.
Norman
Norman serves as a mentor to Stephen, sharing wise insights about life and the importance of emotional honesty. His character resonates with themes of regret and understanding, making him a pivotal figure in guiding both Stephen and Hilary towards self-awareness.
Setting
Time period
1980
The film is set in 1980, a time marked by sociopolitical changes in the UK. This period witnessed rising tensions around race, as well as challenges related to mental health awareness. The decade began exploring new cultural narratives, which is mirrored in the characters' struggles and relationships within the film.
Location
Empire Cinema, Margate, Kent, England
The Empire Cinema in Margate serves as the central setting for the film, reflecting the charm of the seaside town on the northern coast of Kent. Known for its picturesque views and historical significance, Margate's cinema becomes a backdrop for the unfolding emotional complexities between the characters. The neglected upper floor of the cinema adds to the atmosphere of forgotten dreams and lost opportunities.
Themes
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Love & Loss
The theme of love and loss permeates the narrative as Hilary navigates her deepening relationship with Stephen while grappling with her emotional challenges. Their romance ignites moments of joy but is shadowed by jealousy and societal pressures. Ultimately, their bond represents both the heights of love and the sorrow of separation.
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Mental Health
Mental health is a critical theme in the film, illustrating Hilary's struggle with bipolar disorder. Her relationship with Stephen brings brief happiness but also leads to significant crises, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in mental health matters. The film highlights the broader stigma faced by individuals grappling with such challenges during the era.
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Racism & Identity
The film addresses themes of racism and identity, focusing on Stephen's experiences as a Black British man navigating a predominantly white society. His confrontations with racism bring a harsh reality into Hilary's sheltered existence, prompting her to face societal issues beyond personal struggles. This dynamic deepens the narrative of understanding and empathy.
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