Drama films
Streaming: the best films set in cinemas
On the eve of British cinemas reopening, delve into the rich history of films that put movie theatres in the spotlight
Guy Lodge
15, May, 2021 @7:00 AM
The Human Voice review – Tilda Swinton on the verge in Almodóvar’s tale of despair
Swinton plays a woman abandoned by her lover in a short, affecting drama that echoes the uncertainties of lockdown
Peter Bradshaw
13, May, 2021 @10:00 AM
Those Who Wish Me Dead review – Angelina Jolie feels the heat in forest fire thriller
Angry, boozy and haunted by her past, a smoke-jumper faces unexpected dangers in this fierce action film set in the Montana wilderness
Peter Bradshaw
12, May, 2021 @3:00 PM
The Swordsman review – thrilling fight scenes in spectacular Korean action drama
An intricate tapestry of 17th-century political intrigue and family feuding is bolstered by fabulous costumes as Chinese invaders are dealt with
Leslie Felperin
12, May, 2021 @1:00 PM
The Secrets We Keep review – Noomi Rapace brings light and shade to pulpy drama
Director Yuval Adler keeps the audience guessing about the identity of a tall, blond stranger in 1950s suburban mystery
Leslie Felperin
12, May, 2021 @11:00 AM
Maeve review – rapturously stark realist prose poem of 80s Belfast
Pat Murphy’s movie follows a young woman returning to Northern Ireland and a reckoning with sneering soldiers, brutal police and sexist hostility
Peter Bradshaw
11, May, 2021 @1:00 PM
Undergods review – a visionary dystopian anthology
Chino Moya’s debut is a haunting trilogy of stories that have totalitarianism in their surrealist, satirical sights
Phil Hoad
11, May, 2021 @9:00 AM
The Lady in the Portrait review – painterly pageantry in a Chinese royal court
Fan Bingbing stars as an emperor’s wife having her portrait painted in this artful yet inert period drama
Mike McCahill
11, May, 2021 @7:52 AM
Servants review – evil permeates a Catholic seminary
Shame, self-reproach and secret communications fill this deeply disturbing story of two students in 80s Czechoslovakia
Peter Bradshaw
10, May, 2021 @3:00 PM
Cowboys review – progressive, predictable Montana trans tale
Steve Zahn plays against type in this well-meaning but clunking drama about a couple who clash over their trans child
Wendy Ide
09, May, 2021 @10:30 AM
Once Upon a River review – a meandering story of survival
The teenage lead’s performance is the highlight of this film about a Native American girl’s search for her estranged mother
Wendy Ide
09, May, 2021 @10:00 AM
Apples review – a poignant tale of global memory loss
The world is hit by amnesia in Christos Nikou’s striking debut feature
Mark Kermode Observer film critic
09, May, 2021 @7:00 AM
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