Sees Mendes return back to a time when his movies actually said something. If you go into this film expecting this to be like his work on the James Bond franchise you will be disappointed - this is a love letter to cinema from Mendes himself.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 18, 2023

Empire of Light’s lack of focus and glaringly obvious thematic overtures had me wondering if we’d be better off watching these characters sit through a screening of An American Werewolf in London or Time Bandits instead.

Full Review | Oct 16, 2023

Although there isn't a true character development, the performances are excellent, and the story leaves us thinking about discrimination, racial violence, and the misogynistic attitudes that prevail in the environment. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: B | Aug 10, 2023

Colman plays each moment with an honesty that is so brilliant it does often eclipse the work of those around her.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Aug 9, 2023

Mendes offers a melodrama that on the surface looks beautiful with Deakins's visual craftsmanship, but whose love story stumbles into platitudes that lacks emotion and is populated by bland characters. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Aug 6, 2023

As far as 2022 movies in which a Black character exists mainly to reflect the journey of the white protagonist go, it’s not as bad as Armageddon Time. But it’s close.

Full Review | Aug 2, 2023

Some have called out the screenplay as the singular weak spot in this barrage of masterclass craftsmanship, but I’d argue that the loose threads contribute to the melancholy vignette quality of the film.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Jul 29, 2023

As an exploration of a May-December romance, an unstable psyche, racism, or movie magic, Empire of Light sputters along the same well-worn road that far better films have traveled before.

Full Review | Jul 26, 2023

Empire of Light works best as a love letter to the art of filmmaking and the theater experience.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Jul 25, 2023

At its heart, "Empire of Light" doesn't know what it wants to be, often relying on its audience to transport themselves into an empty movie theater, signifying nothing.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

I fell completely and utterly in love with Empire of Light. A soothing, beautiful, & touching film that Sam Mendes put his heart & soul into. A film that showcases how important cinema is in connecting each & every one of us no matter who we are!

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

Empire of Light is a lovely, personal film illuminating tiny splices of life. Mendes brings magic to the employees of the Empire, but unfortunately, his mixture of themes never fits into one solid story.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

Empire of Light is lost in its own grandness. The film wants to be a meaningful celebration of the almost religious experience it is to go to the movies, but seems to believe that isn’t enough to sustain a two hour movie.

Full Review | Jul 24, 2023

Empire Of Light may not appear sexy at first glance, but it’s a must-see for anyone who likes a good old love story with an unconventional twist as it provides one of the more realistic depictions of true love that we’ve seen in a long time.

Full Review | Jul 19, 2023

Disjointed and empty-handed...

Full Review | Original Score: D | Jul 19, 2023

Surprisingly, it is the actors who shine in this intimate and poignant film, taking center stage and breathing life into the story, a departure from the directorial prowess of Sam Mendes.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 16, 2023

A tribute to how kindness creates friendships and how movies can be transformative.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | May 28, 2023

Empire of Light works best as an homage to movie theaters, and cinema itself, as a necessary escape from reality. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | May 1, 2023

There are scenes that try to spectacularly intertwine political strife with personal drama in a way that may be reminiscent of Alfonso Cuarón's cinema... yet in this film, they feel excessively abrupt. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Apr 24, 2023

... Apologies for not buying into this postcard with a jingle and social lecture on the back that the always passive-aggressive Sam Mendes tries to sell us as a 'love letter to cinema.' [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 3, 2023