There’s nothing quite like that feeling when you sink into the welcoming embrace of a plush seat – arms hugging a giant bucket of popcorn while sweet packets crinkle in your pockets – and disconnect from reality for a couple of hours…
Cinema is one of the best forms of escapism, bringing otherworldly adventures, heart-rending romances and spine-chilling horrors to life, and there’s no better place to see these stories unfold than on the big screen. Luckily, London has no shortage of cinemas – from epic IMAX screens to historic movie theatres – for you to see the latest film releases. Whether it’s an eye-popping 3D showinga special cinematic event or, if you’re happiest on your sofa, a new streaming flick, here’s what film fans should look out for this month…
What’s on in cinemas this October
Joker: Folie a Deux
Boy meets girl. Boy falls hopelessly in love. Boy and girl descend into murderous madness together — no joke(r). The sequel to Todd Phillips’ Oscar-winning Joker (2019), is hitting UK cinemas on Friday, October 4. You’ll see Joaquin Phoenix return as the unhinged criminal clown Arthur Fleck, who, while incarcerated in Arkham State Hospital, falls in love with fellow patient Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel (Lady Gaga). Cue shared trauma, musical numbers and gasp-inducing courtroom drama.
Transformers One
It might not be the summer holidays anymore but the kids still need to be entertained. Luckily, Transformers One is here to save the day. Coming to cinemas on October 11the animated flick takes us back to the beginning of Transformers lore, looking at the early relationship of Optimus Prime and Megatron before they became mortal enemies. The origin story takes place on their home planet of Cybertron, with a star-studded cast lending their voices to the alien robots – including Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brain Tyree Henry as Megatron and Scarlett Johansson as Elita.
Smile 2
Of course, there’s going to be a Horror. It is the spooky season after all. And what better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than settling in to be scared to death by Smile 2? Creeping into UK cinemas on October 11the sequel to 2022’s disturbing ‘Smile’ sees global pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begin to experience a series of unsettling and terrifying events, plunging her into a nightmare as her life begins to spiral out of control. It should go without saying, but you’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one.
Venom: The Last Dance
If you’re after less romance and more head-eating, horse-possessing chaos, Venom: The Last Dance should be on your October watchlist. Coming to UK cinemas on Wednesday, October 25the final film in the Venom trilogy sees Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock and his symbiote bestie go on the run as they are hunted by shady military men and deadly aliens. If the trailer is anything to go by, you can expect croc-clad violence, a green-eyed Stephen Graham and a whirlwind dance under the glittering lights of Vegas.
Stay home and see what’s streaming
Time Cut (Netflix)
Of course, if you can’t bear to kick off the fluffy slippers and would much rather sprawl on your own sofa, there’s always something to catch on streaming services. This month there’s Time Cuta genre-bending sci-fi slasher flick where a high school student finds a time machine and travels back in time to save her sister who was killed in 2003. I sense a nostalgic trip down memory lane where double denim isn’t the only crime you’ll be witness to. You’ll have to wait until Wednesday, October 30 to see it – but it’s an ideal Halloween watch.
What else can film fans do in London this month?
BFI London Film Festival
What better place to immerse yourself in the world of cinematic storytelling than the annual BFI London Film Festival? Running from October 9-20the two-week festival is now in its 68th year and continues to treat us to dazzling public premieres, fascinating special presentations and exciting competitions. The full programme lineup has now been announced, check it out and grab your tickets here.
Batman Unmasked Exhibition
It’s no secret Batman has had a rich cinematic history, with seven different actors donning the cowl and cape to bring the iconic DC hero to life. Now, you can immerse yourself in the grim and gritty world of the Caped Crusader with a visit to the Batman Unmasked exhibition, located in Covent Garden. Inside, you’ll find iconic props, costumes and weapons from the films spanning 1989 to 2022. Not to mention mind-bending rooms inspired by notorious villains and the impressively foreboding Batpod (The Dark Knight trilogy) and Batmobile (The Batman 2022).
Catch a classic at a golden oldie
Nosferatu (1922) with a live organ
Speaking of time travel, why not journey deep into the cinematic archives and celebrate Halloween with an original classic? The historic Regent Street Cinemawhich opened in 1848 and screened the first motion picture in the United Kingdom, is a film fan’s heaven. Not only can you catch independent and studio films, but the cinema regularly puts on popular special events.
On Friday, October 25 Regent Street Cinema is screening the silent classic Nosferatu (1922) accompanied by live music from an organist. You can enjoy a special introduction in which they discuss the link between organs and horror films, and discover how organists played an essential part in the silent film era.
