Every so often, we discover a beyond brilliant drama lurking in the archives and the latest is Empire of Light. Originally released in the UK in 2023, the film stars Olivia Colman as a cinema manager in 1980s Margate who finds an unexpected connection with her younger colleague Stephen (Michael Ward) – and if you ask us, it’s her best role since The Night Manager.
The true beauty of the film isn’t in the older woman-younger man relationship, but rather in the journey – emotional as much as anything – that the pair go on together. Hilary (played by Olivia) has bipolar disorder and, in many ways, her relationship with Stephen anchors her, and in turn, it awakens something in him.
With the film available to watch tonight on Disney+, here’s everything you need to know about Empire of Light before you watch it, including the plot, cast, trailer and how to tune in.
What is Empire of Light about?
Set in and around an old cinema in Margate in the 1980s, the film follows Hilary (Olivia Colman), a manager who’s struggling with her mental health. She suffers with bipolar disorder, lives alone and has a complicated love life.
We also meet Stephen (Michael Ward), a handsome new employee who longs to escape the provincial town he blames for many of his problems. And what begins as an unlikely friendship between the pair soon turns into something deeper as they find a sense of belonging.
Olivia has admitted she was “terrified” about the love scenes with her co-star Michael, telling OK!: “This was something I found a little bit scary, which was exciting to me. Playing a woman of my age who’s having a love affair with a younger man, that’s the most terrifying part of the whole film for me.
“But then I met Micheal [who plays Olivia’s young lover, Stephen] and he made me feel much more at ease. Micheal was much more mature about it than I was!”
Who’s in the cast of Empire of Light?
The cast of Empire of Light includes:
- Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Lost Daughter)
- Micheal Ward (Blue Story, Top Boy)
- Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)
- Toby Jones (Hijack)
- Crystal Clarke (Sanditon)
- Tanya Moodie (Motherland)
- Tom Brooke (Say Your Prayers)
- Hannah Onslow (This City is Ours)
Is there a trailer for Empire of Light?
Yes, you can see a glimpse of Olivia’s incredible performance in the trailer below.
Is Empire of Light any good?
Yes, it’s better than good. Olivia is, naturally, the real star of the film, but the story is both poignant and one that many viewers will relate to. It feels eerily real as we’re transported back to the austerity of the 80s, a time when Margate was far from the place it is now, but the bleakness is balanced out brilliantly by the chemistry between Olivia and Michael.
How can I watch Empire of Light?
Empire of Light is available to watch now for free on Disney+.
What other Olivia Colman dramas can I watch now?
If you’re keen to see one of Olivia’s most moving performances, we’d recommend The Lost Daughter. Olivia plays Leda, who becomes infatuated with a mother and daughter on the beach while on holiday. It’s raw, emotional and represents everything Olivia is brilliant at. You can watch The Lost Daughter on Netflix. Another great drama about human connection is Joyride. The film stars as Joy, who finds herself on an unexpected roadtrip with her newborn baby and a 12-year-old stranger called Mully (Charlie Reid). Joyride is available to watch on Netflix.
