Though “Lockdown 3” means our temporary closure continues, you can rely on Phoenix at Home for a handpicked selection of the best online content to keep you entertained – from films and theatre shows available to stream, to online courses and digital art.
This week, we take you on a nostalgia trip with a pair of ’80s family classics, dive into South Korean cinema, and bring you more feel-good films for January.
Take a journey back to when the most offensive insult you’d ever heard was “scuz-bucket” with this classic sci-fi adventure. When 12-year-old David falls and is knocked unconscious on the way to pick up his brother, he is mysteriously transported eight years into the future. Discovering that only an alien spacecraft can take him back, he’s in for the trip of a lifetime.
★★★★ – Observer. Director Ekwa Msangi’s debut delighted critics at last year’s Sundance Festival and features impressive performances from its three leads. Walter, an Angolan immigrant living in New York, is reunited with his wife and teenage daughter after a 17-year separation. Now strangers, can a shared love of dance bring the family together again?
★★★★★ – Empire. Park Chan-wook’s (Stoker, Oldboy) erotic thriller is an intoxicating mix of operatic melodrama and lush visuals, suffused with an exploration of the darker, predatory side of human nature. 1930s Korea and young pickpocket Sook-hee is hired by a con-artist to help him rob a Japanese heiress. But everyone has secrets, and who is really conning who? Part of our Must-See South Korean Cinema season.
Our doors may be closed, but you can still enjoy some of the latest film releases at home thanks to our Virtual Cinema. And as a percentage of your rental fee comes directly to us, you’ll be supporting Phoenix as you stream! With new films added regularly, take a look at what’s on now.
★★★★ – Guardian. Three twentysomething sisters are estranged from their parents – first their father left to live with another woman, then their mother walked out – but when their father dies they attend his funeral. There they meet their younger half-sister, which transforms all their lives. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s beautiful and tender tale of sisterly love is part of our Feel-Good Films for January selection.
“★★★★★ – [conjures] a child’s-eye sense of wonder” – Observer. Sean Baker’s (Tangerine) wonderful, humanist drama focuses on six-year-old Moonee’s adventures living in a motel near Walt Disney World, while her streetwise mother Halley (newcomer Bria Vinaite) struggles to make ends meet. Willem Dafoe also stars, but it’s Brooklynn Kimberly Prince who steals the show as young Moonnee.
Tormented by school bullies, young boy Bastian escapes into a bookshop where he finds an ancient and magical storybook. Taking the tome to read in his attic hideaway, Bastian reads about the land of Fantasia – a land in darkness and in need of a hero. And yes, we always sing the theme tune after saying the title too.
“★★★★★ – magnificent” – Observer. The Old Vic’s stunning production of Brian Friel’s Faith Healer – starring Michael Sheen, Indira Varma and David Threlfall – is available to watch from 20 – 22 Jan at 7.30pm as part of their In Camera: Playback programme. Tickets £15.
Hailed as the first Korean superhero film, this action-comedy comes from the director of Train to Busan. Amiable middle-aged security guard Seok-heon develops telekinetic superpowers after drinking water contaminated by a meteorite. Realising their potential, Seok-heon decides to use his new-found powers to help his estranged daughter in her fight against an evil construction company.
★★★★★ – Yorkshire Post. Choreographed by David Nixon OBE and recorded at Leeds Playhouse on Halloween 2019, Bram Stoker’s gothic romance is brought to life on stage in this gripping, atmospheric ballet, performed by the exceptional dancers of Northern Ballet. Part of the BBC’s Culture in Quarantine programme.
★★★★★ – Guardian. Originally scheduled to screen at Phoenix last November, this tremendous adaptation of Anton Chekov’s masterpiece – filmed at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre during lockdown – is now available on BBC iPlayer. Toby Jones leads an all-star cast in this classic tale of family resentments and secret loves.
A tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the world’s greatest dancer, Matthew Bourne’s Olivier Award-winning adaptation of the legendary film was due to screen at Phoenix in May last year, but was cancelled due to the first lockdown. Recorded at London’s Sadler’s Wells, you can now watch this dazzling show on BBC iPlayer.
Tuesdays, 19 – 26 Jan | SOLD OUT
Tutor Kenton Hall leads this short introduction to world cinema, looking at films and directors that have offered a diverse view of the human condition through the lens.
Wednesdays, 3 – 24 Feb, 7pm – 8.30pm
Join us as we explore the history of queer cinema, its importance and its diversity, from the beginnings of the industry through to the current day.
Thursdays, 4 Feb – 4 Mar, 7pm – 8.30pm
Learn how to get the most out of your film in the edit suite with this guide to the art of film editing. Topics include editing techniques, visual style, colour grading and mastering.
Tuesdays, 9 Feb – 30 Mar, 7pm – 9pm
A practical, skills-based guide to screenwriting, taking you from your initial idea to a finished, short film script over the course of eight weeks.
Available online now
I’m Only Human is an online exhibition of three new animations that explore what it means to be human, made in the context of a pandemic.
Available Now
The Indifferent Wonder of an Edible Place is a downloadable game created by Indian independent game developers and artists Studio Oleomingus.
Online Now
This online filmmaking course for young people is designed to introduce several basic components of filmmaking.
Online Now
This free online 3D design course for young people is designed to introduce the basics of digital 3D modelling with a range of different tools.
Online Now
This online game design course for young people is designed to introduce the basics of building and publishing storytelling games online
Available online now
Free activities for children, to download and try at home.
Welcome to Phoenix at Home, the place to come to find handpicked recommendations for what to watch, read, listen to, learn, and create online – all in the comfort of your own home.
Our pick of some of the best films from around the world, including our ‘Essential Cinema’ selection, new titles and some under-seen gems.
While we're closed, we've put together some specially-curated collections for you to enjoy at home.
Help us understand our digital audiences and share your thoughts on our online programme by taking our Phoenix at Home survey