THE DEATH OF STALIN (MA15+)

Steve Buscemi, Olga Kurylenko, Jeffrey Tambor

107 mins. UK/Fr 2017. Dir: Armando Iannucci

When tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin dies in 1953, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. The contenders include the wily Nikita Khrushchev and Lavrentiy Beria - the sadistic, secret police chief. As they jostle for positions, the question is: ‘Who is running the government?’

FACES PLACES (G)

89 mins. France 2017. Dir. & Stars: Agnes Varda, JR

When Agnes and JR met in 2015 they immediately wanted to work together to shoot a film in rural France. Through chance encounters and prepared projects, they reach out to others, listening, photographing , and sometimes putting people on posters. Throughout the shoot Agnes and JR’s friendship develops as they tease each other and laugh about their differences.

PHANTOM THREAD (M)

Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville

130 mins. USA 2017. Dir: Paul Thomas Anderson

In 1954 London, renowned fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock creates dresses for members of high society. His charisma and genius are matched by his obsessive controlling personality, only to be disrupted by Alma, who becomes his muse and lover. He is haunted by the death of his mother and stitches messages into dress linings.

DARKEST HOUR (PG)

Lily James, Gary Oldman, Ben Mendelsohn.

125 mins. UK 2017. Dir: Joe Wright

Newly elected British Prime Minister Winston Churchill must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight for liberty and freedom eight months into World War II.  With a sceptical king, an unprepared public and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must endure his darkest hour and rally the nation.