Must-See Movies in the UK 2023: A Cinematic Extravaganza

Welcome to a captivating cinematic odyssey as we unveil the top movie picks in the UK for 2023. This carefully curated list promises a tapestry of cinematic delights, ranging from gripping historical dramas to narratives that delve into resilience and challenge societal norms.

Table of Contant:

1. One Life: A Tribute to Humanitarian Hero Nicholas Winton
2. Dead Shot: Unraveling the Morality of War
3. Raging Grace: Unveiling Resilience in the Face of Oppression
4. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die - A Saga of Power and Betrayal
5. How to Have Sex: Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Adolescence
6. Scrapper: A Tale of Grief, Forgiveness, and Unconventional Families
7. The End We Start From: A Gripping Tale of Survival in a Dystopian World
8. Femme: Navigating the Fluidity of Gender and Connection
9. Coldplay – Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate - A Cinematic Spectacle
10. Silver Haze: Exploring Trauma, Relationships, and Resilience

 

As we navigate the cinematic landscape of 2023, expect a diverse array of must-see films that transcend genres and captivate audiences across the United Kingdom. Each film is a unique gem, offering a rich blend of storytelling, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes.

Immerse yourself in the heroic acts of Nicholas Winton in "One Life," a tribute to a humanitarian legend who defied adversity during the German-occupied Czechoslovakia of the 1930s. Feel the tension of historical conflict in "Dead Shot," a drama set against the Northern Ireland conflict that explores the complex interplay of revenge, justice, and the morality of war.

Journey into the heart of Filipino culture with "Raging Grace," a debut masterpiece celebrating resilience in the face of oppression. Witness power struggles and betrayal in "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die," a gripping saga unfolding in the aftermath of Viking king Anlaf's invasion.

This list is not just a compilation; it's an invitation to experience the magic of storytelling, to witness the transformative power of connection, and to explore the nuances of societal expectations. Buckle up for a cinematic adventure that promises to redefine your perception of cinema in the UK in 2023. Get ready to be enthralled!

 1. One Life: A Tribute to Humanitarian Hero Nicholas Winton

 "One Life," directed by James Hawes, unfolds the inspiring narrative of Nicholas Winton, a British hero whose courage during the 1930s German-occupied Czechoslovakia led to the Kindertransport mission, rescuing Jewish children before World War II. With stellar performances and a compelling storyline, the film pays homage to the unsung heroes who made a difference in the face of impending war and adversity.

Directed by:

James Hawes

Screenplay by:

Lucinda Coxon Nick Drake

Based on:

"If It’s Not Impossible…The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton" by Barbara Winton

Produced by:

Joanna Laurie Iain Canning Emile Sherman Guy Heeley

Starring:

Anthony Hopkins Johnny Flynn Lena Olin Romola Garai Alex Sharp Jonathan Pryce Helena Bonham Carter

Cinematography:

Zac Nicholson

Edited by:

Lucia Zucchetti

Music by:

Volker Bertelmann

Production Companies:

See-Saw Films BBC Film MBK Productions Cross City Films FilmNation Entertainment LipSync

Distributed by:

Warner Bros. Pictures[1]

Release Dates:

• 9 September 2023 (TIFF)
• 1 January 2024 (United Kingdom)

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 2. Dead Shot: Unraveling the Morality of War

 "Dead Shot," a gripping drama set against the Northern Ireland conflict, explores the complexities of revenge, justice, and the morality of war. With meticulous period details, riveting action sequences, and unexpected twists, the Guard brothers deliver a compelling exploration of historical conflict and the human cost of vendetta.

Directed by:

Tom Guard Charles Guard

Screenplay by:

Tom Guard Charles Guard Ronan Bennett

Based on:

"The Road to Balcombe Street" by Steven P. Moysey

Produced by:

Chris Coen Brian Coffey Rebecca Brown Thorsten Schumacher

Starring:

Aml Ameen Colin Morgan Tom Vaughan-Lawlor Sophia Brown Máiréad Tyers Dara Devaney Will Keen Jack McMullen Caolan Byrne Stephen McMillan Steve Wall Andrea Irvine Mark Strong Felicity Jones

Cinematography:

Mattias Rudh

Edited by:

Ted Guard

Music by:

Max de Wardener

Production Companies:

Upper Street Stylopik Piecrust Pictures Highland Midgie Ingenious Media Rocket Science Screen Scotland LipSync Productions

Distributed by:

Sky Cinema

Release Date:

12 May 2023 (United Kingdom)

Running Time:

92 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 

3. Raging Grace: Unveiling Resilience in the Face of Oppression

"Raging Grace," a debut masterpiece by Paris Zarcilla, immerses viewers in a chilling atmosphere while celebrating Filipino culture and resilience. Through powerful performances and a thought-provoking narrative, the film navigates the complexities of domestic life, racism, and the pursuit of dignity in the face of oppression.

Directed by:

Paris Zarcilla

Produced by:

Chi Thai Darlene Catly Malimas

Cinematography:

Joel Honeywell

Edited by:

Christopher C.F. Chow

Music by:

Jon Clarke

Release Dates:

• 12 March 2023 (SXSW)
• 29 December 2023 (United Kingdom)

 4. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die - A Saga of Power and Betrayal

 "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" weaves a gripping tale of power struggles and betrayal in the aftermath of Viking king Anlaf's invasion. As alliances shatter and the Battle of Brunanburh unfolds, the film explores themes of loyalty, political intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Directed by:

Edward Bazalgette

Written by:

Martha Hillier

Based on:

"The Saxon Stories" by Bernard Cornwell

Produced by:

Nigel Marchant Gareth Neame Mat Chaplin

Starring:

Alexander Dreymon Harry Gilby Mark Rowley Arnas Fedaravicius Cavan Clerkin James Northcote Laurie Davidson Elaine Cassidy Ross Anderson Ilona Chevakova Jacob Dudman Rod Hallett Ewan Horrocks Steffan Rhodri

Cinematography:

Luke Bryant

Edited by:

Adam Green

Production Company:

Carnival Films

Distributed by:

Netflix

Release Date:

14 April 2023

Running Time:

111 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 5. How to Have Sex: Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Adolescence

"How to Have Sex" captures the essence of youthful escapades as three friends navigate post-GCSE holiday adventures. Director Molly Manning Walker skillfully blends exuberance and anxieties of adolescence, delivering a thought-provoking exploration of consent, friendship, and the complexities of teenage experiences.

Directed by:

Molly Manning Walker

Written by:

Molly Manning Walker

Produced by:

Ivana MacKinnon Emily Leo Konstantinos Kontovrakis

Starring:

Mia McKenna-Bruce Lara Peake Samuel Bottomley Shaun Thomas Enva Lewis Laura Ambler

Cinematography:

Nicolas Canniccioni

Edited by:

Fin Oates

Music by:

Jakwob

Production Companies:

Film4 BFI MK2 Films Head Gear Films Metrol Technology

Distributed by:

Mubi

Release Dates:

• 19 May 2023 (Cannes)
• 3 November 2023 (United Kingdom)

Running Time:

91 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 6. Scrapper: A Tale of Grief, Forgiveness, and Unconventional Families

"Scrapper" poignantly explores themes of loneliness, grief, and redemption as Georgie and her estranged father navigate a fractured relationship. Through unexpected revelations and heartfelt gestures, the film masterfully captures the transformative power of connection and the resilience of unconventional families.

Directed by:

Charlotte Regan

Written by:

Charlotte Regan

Produced by:

Theo Barrowclough

Starring:

Lola Campbell Alin Uzun Harris Dickinson

Cinematography:

Molly Manning Walker

Edited by:

Billy Sneddon Matteo Bini

Music by:

Patrick Jonsson

Production Companies:

BFI BBC Film DMC Film

Distributed by:

Picturehouse Entertainment

Release Dates:

• 23 January 2023 (Sundance)
• 25 August 2023 (United Kingdom)

Running Time:

84 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 7. The End We Start From: A Gripping Tale of Survival in a Dystopian World

"The End We Start From" captivates with a powerful narrative of survival, centered around motherhood and the fight for existence in a world on the brink. Starring Jodie Comer and Benedict Cumberbatch, the film explores themes of resilience, urging viewers to contemplate the planet's future in the face of contemporary ecological challenges.

Directed by:

Mahalia Belo

Screenplay by:

Alice Birch

Based on:

"The End We Start From" by Megan Hunter

Produced by:

Leah Clarke Adam Ackland Liza Marshall Sophie Hunter Amy Jackson

Starring:

Jodie Comer Katherine Waterston Benedict Cumberbatch Mark Strong

Cinematography:

Suzie Lavelle

Edited by:

Arttu Salmi

Music by:

Anna Meredith

Production Companies:

SunnyMarch Hera Pictures Anton BBC Film BFI C2 Motion Picture Group

Distributed by:

Signature Entertainment

Release Dates:

• 10 September 2023 (TIFF)
• 19 January 2024

Running Time:

101 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

Budget:

£9 million

 8. Femme: Navigating the Fluidity of Gender and Connection

"Femme" boldly confronts societal expectations around masculinity and femininity through the compelling performances of Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay. As the film navigates revenge, unexpected connections, and the fluidity of gender identity, it provides a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery.

Directed by:

Sam H. Freeman Ng Choon Ping

Screenplay by:

Sam H. Freeman Ng Choon Ping

Based on:

"Femme" by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping

Produced by:

Myles Payne Sam Ritzenberg

Starring:

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett George MacKay Aaron Heffernan John McCrea Asha Reid

Cinematography:

James Rhodes

Edited by:

Selina Macarthur

Music by:

Adam Janota Bzowski

Production Companies:

Agile Films Anton BBC Film

Distributed by:

Signature Entertainment

Release Dates:

• 19 February 2023 (Berlinale)
• 1 December 2023 (United Kingdom)

Running Time:

99 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

Box Office:

$70,466

 9. Coldplay – Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate - A Cinematic Spectacle

"Coldplay – Music of the Spheres: Live at River Plate" captures the magic of Coldplay's record-breaking show in Buenos Aires. Directed by Paul Dugdale, the cinematic spectacle features remixed/remastered sound, mesmerizing visuals, and behind-the-scenes interviews, offering a joyful and life-affirming experience for fans worldwide.

Directed by:

Paul Dugdale

Based on:

Music of the Spheres World Tour

Produced by:

Simon Fisher Sam Seager

Starring:

Chris Martin Jonny Buckland Guy Berryman Will Champion

Cinematography:

Brett Turnbull

Edited by:

Simon Bryant

Music by:

Coldplay

Production Companies:

SiFi Films Infinity Station Films

Distributed by:

Trafalgar Releasing

Release Date:

19 April 2023

Running Time:

138 minutes

Country:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

 10. Silver Haze: Exploring Trauma, Relationships, and Resilience

"Silver Haze" follows nurse Franky's journey of overcoming trauma and forming a complex relationship with a young suicide survivor. While the film boasts handsome cinematography and authentic moments, its scattered storytelling hinders overall cohesion. Vicky Knight's compelling performance, however, makes it an intriguing exploration of resilience.

In these diverse cinematic offerings, each film promises to captivate audiences with its unique narrative, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes. Whether it's the heroic acts of Nicholas Winton, the gripping dramas of historical conflict, the turbulence of adolescence, the exploration of gender fluidity, or the captivating live performance of Coldplay, these films showcase the rich tapestry of storytelling in the world of cinema.

Directed by:

Sacha Polak

Screenplay by:

Sacha Polak

Produced by:

Marleen Slot Michael Elliott

Starring:

Vicky Knight Esmé Creed-Miles Charlotte Knight Archie Brigden Angela Bruce

Cinematography:

Tibor Dingelstad

Edited by:

Lot Rossmark

Music by:

Ella van der Woude Joris Oonk

Production Companies:

Netherlands Film Fund Netherlands Production Incentive BBC Film Viking Film EMU Films

Distributed by:

New Europe Film Sales The Jokers Cinéart

Release Date:

19 February 2023 (Berlinale)

Running Time:

103 minutes

Countries:

United Kingdom Netherlands

Language:

English

As the curtain falls on this cinematic exploration, anticipate an unparalleled journey into the heart of storytelling brilliance. These diverse films aren't merely celluloid creations; they are immersive experiences that promise to enthrall audiences across the UK in 2023.

From the riveting heroism of "One Life" to the intricate complexities of historical conflict in "Dead Shot," each film weaves a unique narrative that transcends the screen. Stellar performances by acclaimed actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, and Jodie Comer elevate these tales, ensuring an emotional resonance that lingers.

Delve into the turbulence of adolescence with "How to Have Sex" or challenge societal norms through the gender fluidity explored in "Femme." These films aren't just stories—they're mirrors reflecting the myriad facets of the human experience.

The tapestry of themes, from resilience to unconventional families, paints a vibrant picture of the cinematic landscape in 2023. Whether you're drawn to the political intrigue of "The Last Kingdom" or seeking the pulsating energy of Coldplay's live performance, this lineup offers a kaleidoscope of emotions.

In a world where stories shape culture, these films stand as testament to the transformative power of cinema. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience that transcends time and space, promising to leave an indelible mark on the cinematic canvas of the UK in 2023. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and immersed in a storytelling tapestry unlike any other.