Greenwich Library’s longest-running program—the Friends Friday Films series—is back with a full slate of movies, beginning on September 8.
The series features a mix of new releases, classics, and documentaries, and all are shown with closed captioning. All films will be screened in the Berkley Theater beginning at 7:00pm on their given week. Registration is encouraged for each week’s film.
The lineup:
· Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023); Friday, September 8
o Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates star in this loving adaptation of Judy Blume’s iconic coming-of-age story. The year is 1970, and young Margaret’s family is adjusting to life in the suburbs as Margaret works on navigating her identity in one of the funniest and most emotionally authentic films of the year. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Abby Ryder Fortson. Director: Kelly Fremon Craig. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 1h46m.
· The Lost King (2023); Friday, September 15
o Sally Hawkins stars an amateur historian who takes on skeptics and the academic establishment in a quest to find the remains of King Richard III, which have been lost for centuries. This remarkable true story is a touching dedication to following one’s passion in the face of doubters. Starring: Sally Hawkins, Steve Coogan, Harry Lloyd. Director: Stephen Frears. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 1h48m.
· Hugo (2011); Friday, September 22
o In conjunction with the Flinn Gallery’s show “Forms of Connection” and in anticipation of Martin Scorsese’s latest film, join us for the legendary director’s Oscar-winning love letter to early cinema. Set in 1930s Paris, this enchanting family film follows the story of a young orphan getting wrapped up in the mystery of an automaton left to him by his late father. Starring: Ben Kingsley, Christopher Lee, Jude Law. Director: Martin Scorsese. Rated: PG. Runtime: 2h6m.
· NO FILM on Friday, September 29
· Carmen (2023); Friday, October 6
o Dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied makes his directorial debut with what he calls “a version of Bizet’s tragedy from a parallel universe,” filled with dazzling stylized musical sequences. Oscar nominee Paul Mescal and In the Heights’ Melissa Barrera star in this musical odyssey of a fierce woman’s journey from the Mexican desert to L.A. after witnessing a violent crime. Starring: Melissa Barrera, Paul Mescal. Director: Benjamin Millepied. Rated: R for language, some violence and brief nudity. Runtime: 1h56m.
· Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb (2023); Friday, Oct 13
o This delightfully compelling documentary captures the 50-year relationship between two literary legends, as engaging as their work itself. Made from a place of deep love and fascination, the film covers the intersecting stories of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro and his iconic editor Robert Gottlieb as they race to complete their life’s joint work Director: Lizzie Gottlieb. Rated: PG. Runtime: 1h52m.
· Chevalier (2023); Friday, October 20
o Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Minnie Driver star in the striking true story of unsung violinist-composer Joseph Bologne, the illegitimate son of an enslaved African woman and a French plantation owner who causes a stir amongst 18th century Parisian aristocracy. Boosted by Marie Antoinette, Bologne’s talent and confidence allow him to climb the social ladder and transform his fate in defiance of those who would see his star burn out. Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Minnie Driver, Samara Weaving. Director: Stephen Williams. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 1h47m.
· Polite Society (2023); Friday, October 27
o This hilarious Sundance hit is an action comedy that tells the story of Ria Khan, an aspiring young stuntwoman whose antics in turn amuse and exasperate her family. When her older sister becomes engaged, Riais suspicious of the groom-to-be’s family and puts all her martial arts training to the test to try and prove the family is up to no good. Starring: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya. Director: Nida Manzoor. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 1h43m.
· Emily (2023); Friday, November 3
o Emma Mackey gives an exhilarating performance as Emily Brontë, the enigmatic and provocative writer behind the classic Wuthering Heights. This fictionalized account imagines her transformative journey to womanhood as a rebellious misfit who channels her desire for personal and artistic freedom into her writing. Starring: Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead. Director: Frances O’Connor. Rated: R for some sexuality, brief nudity, and drug use. Runtime: 2h10m.
· NO FILM on Friday, November 10
· Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Friday, November 17
o Harrison Ford dons the hat and the whip for a final ride as archaeologist Indiana Jones, a man finding himself feeling out of place in the space age. Soon enough, his goddaughter (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) pulls him into a mystery to prevent a powerful ancient artifact from falling into the hands of Nazis he’d fought decades ago. Starring: Harrison Ford, Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Director: James Mangold. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 2h35m.
· NO FILM on Friday, November 24
· Living (2022); Friday, December 1
o Bill Nighy stars as a bureaucratic cog in the rebuilding of post-WWII Britain whose outlook on the purpose of life changes when he is diagnosed with a fatal illness. Nighy and the film’s screenplay by Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro were both nominated for Oscars for bringing this transportive, poignant film to life. Starring: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Tom Burke. Director: Oliver Hermanus. Rated: PG-13. Runtime: 1h42m.
· You Hurt My Feelings (2023); Friday, December 8
o Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as a novelist whose long-standing marriage takes a sudden turn when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book. Writer/director Nicole Holofcener’s work is a perceptive comedy about the unintended consequences of white lies, and how to bounce back stronger. Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tobias Menzies, Michaela Watkins. Director: Nicole Holofcener Rated: R for language. Runtime: 1h33m.
· Meet Me in St. Louis (1944); Friday, December 15
o Judy Garland leads a terrific cast in one of classic Hollywood’s greatest musicals, a warm celebration of love and family. Portraying a year in the life of the Smith family in turn-of-the-century St. Louis, the Oscar-winning film includes the debuts of Garland standards “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Starring: Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor. Director: Vincente Minnelli. Rated: G. Runtime: 1h53m.
The Friends Friday Films Series is made possible through the support of the Friends of Greenwich Library and the contributions of generous donors. To reserve a spot for these and any other events, check out the Greenwich Library’s calendar of events.