The self-confident Charlotte (Kate Beckinsale) and demure Alice (Chloë Sevigny) work in low-level publishing jobs by day and search for entertainment and romance by night at a Studio 54-esque club in Manhattan in the early 80s. As the two women navigate their jobs, relationships, roommates and “railroad” apartments with their mostly male friends (Chris Eigeman, Matt Keeslar, Robert Sean Leonard and others), Whit Stillman’s dryly comic drama delivers sharp observations about class, gender, generational tension and coming-into-adulthood.

A box-office disappointment when first released this well-observed comedy-of-manners has since become a cult favourite and remains as funny and incisive as when it was made. With an evocative disco soundtrack and appealing performances from the ensemble cast it’s a vivid and affectionate elegy to a bygone age.

Lost Reels is proud to present this era-defining film from an original 35mm print, followed by an in-person Q&A with writer/director Whit Stillman.

Special thanks to Whit Stillman for his support and participation.