Bill Nighy is rightly regarded as one of the finest British actors so Beer Film Society is delighted to be showing his latest film Living this month, on Thursday, April 20.

Nighy may have missed out on a first Oscar Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, but just making the shortlist was a huge endorsement of his ability and the appeal of a film that has won numerous plaudits.

Likewise, the quality of the script was reflected by acclaimed novelist and Nobel Prize Literature winner Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day; Never Let Me Go) being nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay.

The pair also made the BAFTA nominations for the same categories while the film was among the candidates for the Outstanding British Film of the Year.

All of which adds up to a terrific film in which Nighy plays English gent Mr Williams, who is a veteran civil servant toiling away in the city's bureaucracy as London rebuilds itself after World War II.

Buried under paperwork and routine, lonely at home, his life has long felt empty and meaningless.

Then, following some shattering news, Williams endeavours to turn his dull, routine life into something wonderful before it is too late.

The critics loved it:

'Finally Bill Nighy has found a film that is as good as he is. This is surely Nighy's signature role – his Captain Kirk, his Don Corleone – even more so than Love Actually.' – Tom Shone, The Sunday Times, 5*

'This is one of those blessed convergences of actor, role and performance that happens only rarely on screen, and, for the audience, feels like a privilege when it does. But together, Oliver Hermanus (director), Ishiguro and Nighy have pulled it off again. A respectful tip of the bowler to all of them, for this melancholy but beautiful film. A quiet masterpiece.' - Brian Vine, The Daily Mail, 5*

'Sentiment and understatement meet in this beautifully melancholy life drama (and) addresses weighty matters of life and death with a winning simplicity that is hard to resist.' - Mark Kermode, The Guardian, 5*

If you would like to book a seat or table, reserve in advance by emailing [email protected] before Monday, April 17, or just turn up on the night and buy a ticket on the door – £5 for members and £7 guests.

The bar will be open and Baboo ice creams will be on sale.