A Most Violent Year

This year's edition of the AFI Fest was opened by the up-and-coming J.C. Chandor's third feature film, A Most Violent Year, and his first since 2011's impressive Margin Call, in which a remarkable ensemble cast (led by the ever-excellent Kevin Spacey) tell the story of the early days of the 2008 financial crash from the trading floors of Wall Street.
A Most Violent Year keeps our attention focused firmly on the Big Apple, but draws us back to 1981, before financial deregulation and the rise of the New York banking elite, to a time when the first order of business was simply keeping the heating on. Into a bleak and threatening NYC comes Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) as Abel Morales, squeaky-clean, principled and self-made owner of an upstart heating company hoping to break into an industry dominated in the city by old families, the likeness of which to those other New York 'families' is not ignored in the portrayal of their wilful corruption and violence.
As Morales looks to shed his immigrant past and provide for his wife (played well by Interstellar's Jessica Chastain), he finds himself drawn into brutal turf wars – think the garbage-truck disputes of The Sopranos – against the backdrop of one of the worst years for violent crime in New York's history.
Alternately lingering on tense, smoke-ringed boardroom confrontations and hauls us breathlessly through shootouts across the city transit network, all the while retaining a simmering tension through a well-paced plot, A Most Violent Year is an atmospheric and classy thriller that confirms Oscar Isaac – soon to be seen in Star Wars Episode 7 – as one of the best of the States' current acting crop.

Cinemas in London showing A Most Violent Year:

South: Where to see A Most Violent Year in South London: The Ritzy
Brixton's historic Ritzy is known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic programme of art-house films, documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters. The range of craft beers on offer make it a cut above the rest. 
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Ritzy this weekend.

North: Where to see A Most Violent Year in North London: The Everyman, Hampstead
WIth elegent decor and plush seats, Everyman Hampstead is one of London's most sumptuous cinemas. Film-buffs can choose from a wide selection of food and drink served straight to their seat.  
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Everyman, Hampstead this weekend.

East: Where to see A Most Violent Year in East London: The Barbican
The Barbican’s brutalist architecture may divide opinion, but its cinema – which often hosts film festivals and plays old classics – is definitely worth a visit. There is also a generous range of discounts for 16-25s: click here to find out more.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the The Barbican this weekend.

West: Where to see A Most Violent Year in West London: The Lounge, Whiteleys
The Lounge in Bayswater's Whiteleys is an Odeon like no other: under-18s are banned and and customers treated to a luxury cinema experience. Should you need a top-up, the chairs are equipped with buttons to call waiting staff during the film. Luxury indeed. 
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Lounge, Whiteleys this weekend.

If none of our suggestions take your fancy, check out the complete listings for cinemas showing A Most Violent Year in London: A Most Violent Year film times, London