Orwell: 2+2=515

Directed by Raoul Peck | France/USA | 2025 | 1h 59m

George Orwell’s iconic novels 1984 and Animal Farm imagined a chilling, and all too plausible, authoritarian future. In this unflinching documentary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), working in collaboration with the Orwell Estate, crafts a definitive portrait of the writer and a strikingly contemporary reflection on his legacy. Blending archival footage, readings from Orwell’s diaries, cinematic references, and dynamic present-day imagery, the film offers a fresh and urgent perspective on just how prophetic his work has become.

Reviews

‘Raoul Peck argues, with utter conviction, that we are currently living in a soulless Ingsoc world, a politically topsy-turvy place of totalitarian evils disguised as swiping, clicking, buying, spending and voting freedoms.’
★★★★ Kevin Maher, The Times

‘It’s dazzling and terrifying, a guide to a political movement that has been gathering steam for decades and shows no signs of letting up.’
Sam Adams, Slate Magazine

Book tickets

Friday 1 May

3.15pmBook tickets
Monday 4 May

5.45pmBook tickets
Tuesday 5 May

£6 for Members

8.15pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Tomorrow (Sunday 26th April)

14:00

Man of Marble U
2h 41m | Polish w/ English subtitles
A young filmmaker uncovers the hidden truth behind a worker’s heroic story, challenging censorship, ideology, and moral responsibility in this landmark Polish film. Part of Kinoteka On Tour – Polish Film Festival.

Book here

17:30

The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m
The Thompson children discover a magical tree leading to fantastical lands. Facing quirky inhabitants and wondrous adventures, they reconnect and grow closer. Enid Blyton’s beloved classic comes to life in this enchanting adaptation starring Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, and Claire Foy.

Book here

20:00

The Drama 15
1h 45m
Emma and Charlie’s wedding week descends into chaos after an unexpected revelation. With Kristoffer Borgli’s absurdist touch, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya navigate a darkly comic rom-com that’s clever, unconventional, and delightfully unpredictable.

Book here


Monday 27th April

20:45

Heathers 15
1h 43m
Cinema Under the Stairs presents a one-off screening of Michael Lehmann’s cult-classic film, a landmark of modern American cinema that darkly reimagines the teen comedy genre. Featuring standout, career-defining performances from Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!