Naked18

Directed by Mike Leigh | UK | 1993 | 2h 6m | Starring David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Greg Cruttwell, Peter Wight

Drifting through the nocturnal streets of London, the abrasive and articulate Johnny unleashes a torrent of nihilistic philosophy as he collides with a series of desperate, damaged lives. Directed by Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Hard Truths), Naked is a raw, confrontational portrait of urban alienation in Thatcher’s Britain, anchored by David Thewlis’s ferocious, career-defining performance. Remastered in 4K from the BFI National Archive.

Bleak Week 2026: Cinema of Despair

Reviews

‘This is a movie of virtuoso nihilism and scorn.’
★★★★★ Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

‘This is the greatest David Thewlis performance, in one of the greatest Mike Leigh films.’
★★★★★ Kevin Maher, The Times

Book tickets

Monday 22 June

 8.30pmBook tickets
Wednesday 24 June

 2.45pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Today (Saturday 23rd May)
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16:00

Dreamers 15
+ Introduction
1h 19m
After fleeing persecution in Nigeria, Isio is held in a removal centre awaiting an asylum decision. When she falls for her outspoken roommate Farah, she must choose between trusting the system or risking everything for love and freedom. Screening introduced by Asylum Welcome.

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18:15

Space Is the Place 18
1h 22m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
Sun Ra leads his Arkestra on an interstellar journey to forge a new utopia. Blending sci-fi, performance, and radical politics, this electrifying film boldly channels Afrofuturist vision into a vibrant, cosmic experience where music, myth, and liberation collide.

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20:15

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 24th May)
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14:45

Space Is the Place 18
1h 22m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
Sun Ra leads his Arkestra on an interstellar journey to forge a new utopia. Blending sci-fi, performance, and radical politics, this electrifying film boldly channels Afrofuturist vision into a vibrant, cosmic experience where music, myth, and liberation collide.

Book here

Find out more

17:00

Gentle, Angry Women 12A
+ Q&A
1h 3m + 30m Q&A
Special Events
A new generation of young activists uncovers the overlooked history of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. Retracing a 110-mile protest march, they connect past and present, exploring feminist activism and intergenerational resistance.

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19:15

Kokuho 15
2h 55m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
In 1964 Nagasaki, orphaned Kikuo is taken in by a renowned kabuki actor and raised alongside his son. As both boys become devoted performers, friendship turns to rivalry in Sang-il Lee’s sweeping drama exploring ambition and artistic mastery. Japan’s highest-grossing live-action film.

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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!

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