Sylvia (Anne Raitt) leads a quiet life caring for her sister Hilda (Sarah Stephenson) who has complex care needs. Their lonely suburban existence is accentuated by a social awkwardness that detaches them from the community and fuels a life of seclusion and despair.
Released in 1971 to critical acclaim, Mike Leigh's debut feature film is a haunting study of social isolation. Uncompromising and deeply affecting, the film introduced Leigh’s unique and highly influential natural style that he has continued to develop over a 50 year career.
A true landmark in the history of British film, Bleak Moments has been newly remastered by the BFI and is presented on Blu-ray for the very first time.
Extras
Newly remastered by the BFI, overseen by Dick Pope and approved by Mike Leigh
Audio commentary by writer and director Mike Leigh (2015)
Bleak Moments: 50 Years On (2021, 9 mins): a short interview with Mike Leigh as he looks back on his debut feature
In Conversation: Mike Leigh and Leslie Blair (1972, 28 mins): in this rare archive interview director Mike Leigh and producer and editor Leslie Blair discuss Bleak Moments
Interview with Mike Leigh (2019, 36 mins): filmed after a screening of his 1976 film Nuts in May, Mike Leigh discusses his early career and his approach to filmmaking with film programmer Neil McGlone
Image gallery
**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with a new essay on the film by Ellen Cheshire , original Sight & Sound review and full film credits
