Orwell: 2+2=5 at Real Art Ways

“It’s dazzling and terrifying…” – Slate

“Orwell: 2+2=5 is a vital film.” Hollywood Reporter

“The filmmaker isn’t subtle, but then, neither was his subject, and the film’s points could hardly seem more prescient than they do in this moment.” – NPR

“Peck’s piercing nonfiction has previously given voice to the dead and the dismissed, but now uses one of West’s most acclaimed and quoted novelists to lay bare its persistent sins.” – AV Club

From Academy Award®-nominated and BAFTA-winning director Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), Orwell is the definitive feature-length documentary on visionary author George Orwell, with the exclusive cooperation of the Orwell Estate. ‍

“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past…,” wrote Orwell in his novel, 1984. Today, the “newspeak” of authoritarian rule is alive and well and in unexpected places, from the rise of AI Chatbots to the Russian propaganda machine, from the marketing webs of commercial metaverses to the political banning of books in the Southern United States. Peck’s “Orwell” will use George Orwell’s life, work, and legacy as a maverick iconoclastic writer to jam the signals of the algorithms gone rogue, which, in the name of personal freedom, threaten to close our minds to a greater possibility.

“Spaces of transgression and safety have never been more important (or in scarce supply) than now, and at its best, ‘Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror’ offers that same playground for its viewers to experience.” – RogerEbert.com

“Anyone who lives, breathes, and bleeds ‘Rocky Horror’ will find comfort in ‘Strange Journey’ and its celebration of the musical’s enduring legacy.” – IndieWire

100% on Rotten Tomatoes

From humble origins as a London fringe theater play to its meteoric rise, fall, and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show. With intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Lou Adler, the documentary explores what makes the play and film so singular: Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances, and epic songs that took over pop culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled and created not only the midnight screenings, which continue to this day, but also a haven for those who have ever felt different or marginalized.

“There’s never been a movie more vital this year than The Librarians. If you prize literature, intelligence, independent thought, safe spaces for children, it’s a necessary watch.” – The Film Maven

“From its superb opening-credits sequence paying tribute to card catalogs of yore to its sharp selection of vintage clips and intimate reportage, “The Librarians” is as well-crafted as it is profoundly alarming.” – New York Times

“Filmmaker Kim A. Snyder’s illuminating documentary offers a rattling look at coordinated efforts to ban books. More importantly, it introduces viewers to the everyday and increasingly vital heroes pushing back.” – Variety

93%

Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. As they well know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities. In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories — triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work, the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

Part of our “RAW Terror” horror film marathon programming for Thursday, October 16, during Creative Cocktail Hour…

You have the option to purchase tickets for Midsommar and pair it with Scream and The Evil Dead as a Double Feature, OR take on the ultimate challenge of watching ALL THREE FILMS as a Triple Feature – all screening on the night of October 16.

Double Feature: The Evil Dead (5:15) and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $20

Double Feature: Scream (7:00) and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $20

Triple Feature: Scream (7:00), The Evil Dead (5:15), and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $24

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“It’s a world that you absolutely believe in, aided by really really brilliant performances.” – Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review

“Indeed, it’s cultural sensitivity that lies at the heart of this movie. It is not about serial killers, aliens or supernatural beings. It is about the ordinary humans we know as the Other because they come from somewhere else.” – The Australian

“Ari Aster’s folk-horror flick is frightening, beautiful, and just a little unhinged.” – The New Republic

Part of our “RAW Terror” horror film marathon programming for Thursday, October 16, during Creative Cocktail Hour…

You have the option to purchase tickets for Scream and pair it with The Evil Dead or Midsommar as a Double Feature, OR take on the ultimate challenge of watching ALL THREE FILMS as a Triple Feature – all screening on the night of October 16.

Double Feature:The Evil Dead (5:15) and Scream (7:00): General admission $20

Double Feature: Scream (7:00) and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $20

Triple Feature: The Evil Dead (5:15), Scream (7:00), and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $24

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“Scream is a howling great time.” – Toronto Star

“You probably have to be a horror-freak to really understand the immense ingenuity of this movie, but in every department — direction, acting, sound design — it is a stunner.” – The Age (Australia)

“No one will ever consider Wes Craven’s Scream Oscar fodder, but this funny and scary little experiment in terror from the man who invented “Nightmare on Elm Street” puts some fun back into a very tired genre.” – Newsweek

Part of our “RAW Terror” horror film marathon programming for Thursday, October 16, during Creative Cocktail Hour…

You have the option to purchase tickets for The Evil Dead and pair it with Scream or Midsommar as a Double Feature, OR take on the ultimate challenge of watching ALL THREE FILMS as a Triple Feature – all screening on the night of October 16.

Double Feature: The Evil Dead (5:15) and Scream (7:00): General admission $20

Double Feature: The Evil Dead (5:15) and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $20

Triple Feature: The Evil Dead (5:15), Scream (7:00), and Midsommar (9:10): General admission $24

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“Sam Raimi’s 1981 breakout feature remains profoundly unsettling due to the gonzo vigour with which he attacks his subject.” – The Times (UK)

“It’s a great audience participation show.” – The New York Times

“The Evil Dead still feels like the punchiest horror flick this side of a Dario Argento gialli.” – Slant Magazine

“Just trust me when I say that it’s extremely clever and full of surprises, and reinforces that writer, director, and co-star James Sweeney is a bold and refreshing filmmaker to watch.” – RogerEbert.com

“The indignities of grief take center stage in James Sweeney’s touching, hilarious and eventually enthralling Twinless.” –Observer

“Sweeney’s unpredictable movie twists and writhes, while never losing sight of its layered characters’ heartfelt longing.” – New York Post

“Given the twisty, often jaw-droppingly unexpected nature of Twinless, it’ll be a hard one to keep fully under wraps until release. It’s doubly hard given how hugely impressive the film is as well.” – Guardian

Two young men meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) both search for solace and an identity without their other halves and soon become inseparable outside the group. But when Roman meets Dennis’ ebullient co-worker, Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), all is revealed to be not what it seems, as each man harbors secrets that could unravel everything.

Celebrate The Official Release Party of a Showgirl in theaters only October 3rd – 5th.

See the exclusive world premiere of the music video, “The Fate of Ophelia,” along with behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos, and Taylor’s never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Please note: This is a one-weekend-only event and there are no member-priced / discounted tickets.

“With a profound embrace of the changing times and clever winks at Downton devotees, writer Julian Fellowes and director Simon Curtis deliver a heart-swelling conclusion.” – Variety

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale transports you to a time and place that seems so much more glamorous than our own, and to see it all splashed out on the big screen is almost overwhelming. It’s a genteel fantasy worth leaving the couch for.” – TIME Magazine

92% on Rotten Tomatoes

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

“It’s funny and a wee bit poignant…” – RogerEbert.com

“Spinal Tap II May Be More Endearing than Funny, But It Still Hits the Right Chords” – TIME Magazine

Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favorite metal gods as they contemplate mortality–and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.

“‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ standout Albrecht Schuch gives an irresistible star turn in Bernhard Wenger’s tart, funny, slightly heartbreaking debut feature.” – Variety

“The smart concept, social commentary and a strong central performance from Albrecht Schuch combine to create a polished, slyly entertaining work…” – ScreenDaily

100% on Rotten Tomatoes

At MyCompanion, the cultured and confident Matthias is available — for a reasonable fee — to fill any social role you desire, from ‘the perfect son’ to the ‘enlightened boyfriend’, or even ‘pilot dad’ to impress your classmates at Bring Your Parent to School Day. But while Matthias is at the top of his professional game, his personal life begins to crumble as he detaches from his own identity and burrows deeper into his fictitious lives. Bernhard Wenger’s PEACOCK is a biting and hilarious social satire about the masks we wear in the pursuit of human connection.

94% on Rotten Tomatoes

“Lurker is a tight and wicked little film, a promising debut feature for the writer and director Alex Russell, a kind of minimalist counterbalance to the maximalist dissipation of Saltburn.” – NYT

“Both actors have been around for a minute but their moody chemistry together as the star-struck barnacle and the self-serious artist crackles on screen, and could very well mark a turning point in their careers.” – NPR

“The artist and audience member are coequal—and codependent—in this perceptive drama about a parasocial relationship that enters the realm of reality.” – Slant Magazine

A screw-turning psychological thriller made for the moment, LURKER is the razor-sharp directorial debut from The Bear and Beef writer-producer Alex Russell.

When twenty-something Los Angeles retail clerk and loner Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) encounters rising pop star Oliver (Saltburn’s Archie Madekwe), he takes the opportunity to edge his way into the in-crowd. But staying there isn’t easy. With an entire entourage (Bottoms’ Havana Rose Liu, Abbott Elementary’s Zack Fox, Y2K’s Daniel Zolghadri, mid90s’ Sunny Suljic) vying for attention, Matthew must prove himself to Oliver as more than just a follower.

As their bond grows strained and mainstream fame appears within reach, access and proximity become a matter of life and death. Online fixation meets reality in this parasocial, paranoid cat-and-mouse film driven by star-making performances. With an incisive view to contemporary culture and a brilliant score from Kenny Beats (known for his work with Vince Staples), LURKER presents an exhilarating take on the music industry, the blurred line between friend and fan, and our universal search for validation.

“Covino and Marvin continue to forge a distinct comic sensibility — and, what’s rarer these days, they know how to make the camera work for the humor.” – The New York Times

“Covino’s filmmaking is tremendously appealing, buoyant and playful, and in “Splitsville,” he dials everything up from “The Climb,” especially the comedy.” – Tribune News Service

“The linchpin is Johnson, who turns in a vulnerable yet confident performance.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“The funniest film of the year” Awards Watch

After Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey (Kyle Marvin) runs to his friends, Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Michael Angelo Covino), for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.

“This is a journey. This is a ride. Highest 2 Lowest is Lee and Washington, reunited and good as ever.” – Mashable

“It’s a movie that gleefully kicks its characters out of their comfy environs to plunge them into New York’s rattling, noisy crowds — and it’s worth watching with the biggest audience you can find.” – The Atlantic

“Everywhere there are grace notes — cameos, recreations of art from Spike Lee’s own collection, in-jokes — to complement the pulsing, vibrant, rousing, seriously musical, and occasionally even profound entertainment that is Highest 2 Lowest.” – NPR

“Landscape, ancient and punishing; this rarefied air, 200 miles above the Arctic Circle; these young people, on the precipice of adulthood, learning the value of self-reliance and kindness – it all begs for the kind of soulful treatment Folktales delivers.” – Austin Chronicle

“Dog lovers shouldn’t miss this one. Honestly, no one should.” – RogerEbert.com

“With formal polish and deep compassion, it proves to be the most heartwarming film of this year’s Sundance Film Festival.” – The Daily Beast

In Oscar®-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s life-affirming documentary, teenagers converge at a traditional folk high school in Arctic Norway where they must rely on only themselves, one another, and a loyal pack of sled dogs as they all grow in unexpected directions. In Norse mythology, the three “Norns” are powerful deities who weave the threads of fate and shape humans’ futures. Today, Pasvik Folk High School in northern Norway aims to produce a similar life-changing effect on its students. FOLKTALES tells the timely and heartwarming story of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional “gap year” learning to dog sled and survive the Arctic wilderness, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world. Guided by patient teachers and a yard full of heroic Alaskan huskies, they discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them. Through intimate verité storytelling and exhilarating cinematography, Ewing and Grady examine humans on the cusp of adulthood, finding themselves at the edge of the world.

“In his coolly damning documentary “Riefenstahl,” the German filmmaker Andres Veiel joins a persistent cohort of skeptics and detractors who have long challenged Riefenstahl’s self-serving identity as an innocent artist.” – The New York Times

“…a fascinating exposé of the filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, who in the wake of her work with the Nazis spent decades obscuring her own history.” – Wall Street Journal

“…it lets a beautifully restored collection of photos, audio, film strips, documents, and video segments relating to Riefenstahl and her colleagues speak largely for themselves.” – Slant Magazine

98% on Rotten Tomatoes

Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl is considered one of the most controversial women of the 20th century. Her films Triumph of the Will and Olympia are defined by their fascist aesthetics, perfectly-staged body worship, and the celebration of all that is “superior” and victorious, simultaneously projecting contempt for the imperfect and weak.

But Riefenstahl — who first broke into the German film industry as an actress — spent decades after the war denying her association with Nazi ideology, and claiming ignorance of the Holocaust. How did she become the Reich’s preeminent filmmaker if she was just a hired hand?

Riefenstahl examines this question using never-before-seen documents from Leni Riefenstahl’s estate, including private films, photos, recordings and letters, uncovering fragments of her biography and placing them in an extended historical context. During her long life after the fall of Nazism, she remained unapologetic, managing to control and shape her legacy; in personal documents, she mourns her “murdered ideals.” Meanwhile, her work would experience a renaissance, gaining esteem for its masterful technical skill.

Today, Riefenstahl’s aesthetics are more present than ever. Is that also true for their message? In an era where fascism is on the rise again, fake news is prevalent, and the meaning of political imagery is constantly dissected and debated, Andres Veiel’s mesmerizing new film shows that Leni Reifenstahl is more relevant than ever.

“…a loving ode to one of the most impressive and important athletes of all time.” – RogerEbert.com

“What makes Clemente such a treasure for baseball fans, then, are the extensive interviews with his teammates, especially the players on the 1971 championship squad. It’s a wonderful group including Manny Sanguillen, Richie Hebner, Steve Blass, Al Oliver and more, each player sharing their respect and love for Clemente and offering this tangible proof that his “value” wasn’t related to homers or outfield assists.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Roberto Clemente is one of baseball’s most iconic figures. As the first high-profile Latino player to play in MLB in the United States, Roberto’s extraordinary career opened the door for generations of Latino baseball players to come. It is, however, Roberto’s remarkable life off the field that defined his legacy. Committed to uplifting society’s marginalized and under-represented, he fearlessly fought for social justice and racial equality with steadfast resolve. Proudly celebrating his Puerto Rican heritage he remained unwavering in his commitment to uphold his personal values and sense of self. His career and fame served as a platform to further amplify his life purpose dedicated to family, community, and giving back.

The tragedy of his untimely death on a mission to deliver aid to the victims of the 1972 Nicaraguan earthquake shocked the world with the loss of “The Great One.” This is the story of a man who showed that a life lived with passion and conviction can truly change the world. This is the story of an icon.

As part of the theatrical release, Magnolia Pictures proudly presents 26 minutes of exclusive, remastered footage from a rare solo performance at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA, filmed on February 19, 1994. This previously unreleased set will screen immediately after the film, offering fans and newcomers a rare opportunity to experience Jeff Buckley’s raw, unfiltered brilliance.

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“[T]he music is terrific, and the time capsule aspect of his early 1990s life in New York’s East Village will surely delight many.” – The Daily Beast

“It’s a deeply personal film, a life story told by the people who knew and loved Jeff. It hums with the emotion and vibrancy of Buckley’s music.” – RogerEbert.com

“Berg approaches Buckley’s life with the same intense empathy that Buckley himself approached his art.” – Filmspotting

98% on Rotten Tomatoes

The new documentary explores the life of a rising young star with an otherworldly voice and boundary-pushing artistry, who left the ’90s music world reeling when he died suddenly, at age 30, after the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Grace.”

Told through never-before-seen footage from Buckley’s archives and intimate accounts from his mother Mary Guibert, former partners Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, Jeff’s former bandmates, including Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred, and luminaries like Ben Harper and Aimee Mann, IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY illuminates one of modern music’s most influential and enigmatic figures.

“…for superfans, “Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation” will play like a party, and probably drive the repeat reader right back to the book. What’s true about “On the Road” — like most books with broad appeal to those still in the throes of youthful idealism — is that when you return to the text, you encounter not just the book but also yourself, who you were when you first read it and all the selves you’ve been in the meantime. Even if you haven’t hopped in a car or a train and struck out for another coast, that’s a journey worth taking.” – NYT

“It tackles the American dream through the perspective of an immigrant who, in his attempt to understand a country that once felt foreign to him, has etched his name forever into its mythos.” – In Session Film

KEROUAC’S ROAD: THE BEAT OF A NATION explores Jack Kerouac’s legacy through stories of modern “on-the-roaders” and those who knew or were inspired by him. Featuring Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Matt Dillon and more, it reveals a rarely seen side of Kerouac and offers a fresh take on On the Road and its lasting impact on America.