Our 14th Unlimited Secret Screening was held on Wednesday 5th January. So, what was the movie, and how did it go down with Unlimited members?
We're delighted to announce that the film was Kenneth Branagh's Belfast, the critically acclaimed coming of age story that is already being touted as an Oscar frontrunner. Screen newcomer Jude Hill enters the ranks of all-time-great child performances with his role as Buddy, the innocent and vivacious youngster growing up amidst the Troubles in 1970s Belfast.
Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe play Buddy's devoted parents who must reckon with the possibility of leaving their beloved city for a new life. Stage and screen legends Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds provide ample gravitas as Buddy's bantering grandparents, while Belfast boy Van Morrison provides the soundtrack. Shot in lustrous black and white with an eye towards childhood innocence and resilience, Belfast has been lauded for its personal vision and sense of compassion.
We've rounded up a few of the reactions to Belfast, and people are magnanimous in their praise for Branagh's direction, the performances and the film's emotional impact.
Want to thank @cineworld for showing @BelfastMovie as the #unlimited screening tonight. I doubt I’ll see many better movies the rest of the year! Absolutely incredible! #secretscreening #unlimitedscreening
— Shannon Harrison (@Harriseiro) January 5, 2022
Ok so there was a #secretscreening earlier tonight @cineworld and I’m still thinking about how good @BelfastMovie is. The performances and cinematography are both BEAUTIFUL and it just digs into you emotionally in the second half. Definitely an Oscars contender.
— nathan! (@natjdoc) January 6, 2022
Well #Belfast was utterly delightful and heartbreaking and stunning. An excellent choice for #secretscreening #CineworldUnlimited pic.twitter.com/6ecqClUPOd
— Kirsten (@kirstenducky) January 5, 2022
#secretscreening at @cineworld tonight was @BelfastMovie - got to see it over 2 weeks early thanks to #CineworldUnlimited - what a beautiful, poignant film - everyone was brilliant but wee #JudeHill was an absolute star! Definitely a good choice for the first film for 2022
— Avantika (@maryjanesdesk) January 5, 2022
Just seen this tonight a few weeks early thanks to a #Secretscreening and honestly it's such a beautiful watch - highly recommend it when it's out on Jan 21! https://t.co/lMvQpqDNPg
— Avantika (@maryjanesdesk) January 5, 2022
Just saw Kenneth Branagh’s incredible film #Belfast. I loved it so much, had me laughing and crying. Give it all the awards. If the wee lad Jude Hill isn’t nominated for an Oscar it’ll be a travesty. #CineworldUnlimited#SecretScreening@cineworld
— Jack Rafferty (@JackRaff) January 5, 2022
Just got back from the @cineworld #secretscreening of #belfastmovie … absolutely loved it! Made me laugh and broke my heart! And Jamie Dornan … 🥰 I love him!
— Keith-Andrew Kershaw (@K3ithAndr3w) January 5, 2022
If those responses have you excited, then mark down Belfast's release date. It hits Cineworld screens on 21st January 2022. If you attended last night's Secret Screening, please do tweet us your reactions @Cineworld and using #SecretScreening.
If you haven't joined Cineworld Unlimited, then you're missing out on some really exciting treats including a free tastecard. Want to find out more? Click here to sign up to Cineworld Unlimited.