Virginia Highlands Community College continues the Fall 2017 Arts Array Film Series. Show times are every Monday and Tuesday evening at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Abingdon Cinemall, Abingdon, Virginia.
Admission is free for all students and staff members of VHCC, Emory & Henry College, King University and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, including participants in the College of Older Adults who purchase an Arts Array pass. Community admission is $7.75.
A Monster Calls (Oct. 2 and 3): A young boy befriends a wise tree monster while coping with bullying and the terminal illness of his mother. He moves in with his grandmother as his mom's condition deteriorates, and uses his imagination and friendship with the monster to escape reality. J.A. Bayona directed this fantasy drama.
The Founder (Oct. 9 and 10): This biopic of businessman Ray Kroc chronicles his work transforming McDonald's from a small burger chain in 1950s California to a global franchise. Along the way, he wrests control of the company from its actual founders, the McDonald brothers, who believe that Kroc's business decisions are stripping the restaurant of its heart and soul. Directed by John Lee Hancock.
My Cousin Rachel (Oct. 16 and 17): A dark romance, "My Cousin Rachel" tells the story of a young Englishman who plots revenge against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing that she murdered his guardian. However, his feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms. Based on the 1951 novel by British author, Daphne du Maurier. Written for film and directed by Roger Mitchell.
The Big Sick (Oct. 23 and 24): A Pakistani-American standup comedian falls for a white grad student and decides to keep their uncertain romance a secret from his traditionalist, Muslim family. However, their relationship gets more serious when she develops a mysterious illness, which in turn forces him to bond with her parents. Emily V. Gordon and Nanjiani wrote this romantic comedy, which is based on their real-life courtship. Directed by Michael Showalter, "The Big Sick" made its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
Personal Shopper (Oct. 30 and 31): Halloween Horror Flick: A Hitchcock-esque thriller, Director Olivier Assayas reunites with Kristen Stewart in this drama about a young woman who works as a personal shopper to an egotistical celebrity in Paris. While spending much of her time buying expensive clothes and jewelry for Kyra, Maureen is also a spiritual medium trying to make contact with her twin brother, who recently died of a congenital heart condition that affects her as well.
