Empire of Light

The Empire is a beautiful and somewhat outdated movie palace in a small English town by the sea. For the staff, a motley crew of quirky and lovable types, it is a workplace and family in one. This is also the case for Hilary (Olivia Colman), who has returned to the Empire after a long absence. Hilary has changed, she seems absent and much more withdrawn than before. She routinely goes about her work and stoically endures the encroachments of her boss (Colin Firth). When Stephen (Micheal Ward), a charismatic young man, starts working at the Empire, a spontaneous affection develops between the two. The two outsiders find in each other the support they have sought for so long. But little by little, reality catches up with them and an unexpected departure occurs for both ...