It’s October at The Frida Cinema, so it’s time, once again, to present the original theatrical cut of William Friedkin’s horror masterpiece The Exorcist!

When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, the girl’s mother realizes her daughter has been possessed by the Devil. Her daughter’s only possible hope lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.

One of the most influential and infamous horror films of all time, The Exorcist shocked 1970s audiences with its chilling atmosphere and groundbreaking effects. But it’s the central performances from Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair that still horrify fifty years later.

George Orwell was one of the most radical and visionary authors of the 20th Century, whose 1940s novels, such as 1984 and Animal Farm, foretold a chilling, all-too-believable authoritarian future that has become scarily prescient in our modern era. Acclaimed director Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), working in collaboration with the Orwell Estate, seamlessly interweaves historical clips, readings from Orwell’s diary, cinematic references, and dynamic modern day footage to craft the definitive portrait of the writer himself–Orwell: 2+2=5. 

Peck, who has his his own personal connection to the material–as an 8-year-old he was forced to flee the Duvalier dictatorship in Haiti–doesn’t just present the information but shows new ways of seeing it, drawing patterns and connections we might not otherwise realize, and creating a stimulating and thought-provoking experience for the viewer at every turn. 

As terms like “Big Brother” and “Newspeak” become more prevalent and ominous with each passing day, Orwell: 2+2=5, featuring award-winning actor Damian Lewis as the voice of Orwell, provides a stirring depiction of the dangers of power and the fragility of so-called civilized society, told through the eyes of a man from the past who just might hold the key to the world’s future.  

Possession is back for some Halloween Hangover encores with a 4K restoration thanks to our friends at Kino Lorber!

Professional spy Mark (Sam Neill) returns to his West Berlin home to find his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani, in a role that earned her a Best Actress win at Cannes Film Festival) insistent on a divorce. As Anna’s frenzied behavior becomes ever more alarming, Mark discovers a truth far more sinister than his wildest suspicions. With its pulsating score, visceral imagery, and some of the most haunting performances ever captured on screen, Possession is cinematic delirium at its most intoxicating.

Banned upon its original release in 1981, Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession is a stunningly choreographed nightmare of a marriage unraveling and one of the great WTF movies of all time. Don’t miss it on the big screen!

All good things must come to an end. Join us on Friday, November 28th for our final recurring screening of Stop Making Sense, and the last one for 2025. Over the last two years, it has been The Frida Cinema’s privilege to be able to play Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film masterpiece monthly or every other month to packed crowds, but for now we will be ending playing the film with its current regularity. Join us for one last chance to dance before we officially retire the tradition!  

Stop Making Sense is an iconic concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, while on tour for their 1983 album “Speaking in Tongues.” The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning, cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals. Featuring masterful performances by David Byrne and photography by Jordan Cronenweth (Blade Runner), Stop Making Sense is a concert experience at its most colorful and life-affirming.

For those wondering, of course the film will return to our screens someday, we just don’t know when! Stop Making Sense is forever!

Our award-winning resident performance troupe K.A.O.S. returns for their celebrated all-costumed, all-choreographed, all-leg-kicking live shadowcast presentation of 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, performed on stage in front of the film!

Director Jim (Don’t squeeze the…) Sharman’s cult classic stars Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as Brad and Janet, two virginal small-town lovers whose car breaks down in the shadows of a creepy old castle, where they encounter an odd collective of “unconventional conventionalists” gathered to witness transvestite scientist’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation – a muscular man named Rocky. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including tap-dancing Columbia, rocking biker Eddie, and of course, the castle’s “Sweet Transvestite” himself, Frank-N-Furter!

Adapted from the 1973 stage musical by Richard O’Brien, this glam cult classic is a cinematic experience unlike any other. Sing-along (and shout-along!) to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a classic that still packs houses 50 years after its initial release! Get your tickets now before it sells out!

Doors open at 11:00pm  Official K.A.O.S. preshow starts at 11:30pm!  Movie at midnight!

SENSORY WARNING: Flashing Lights and Fog effects may be used during the event.

This program is a venue rental engagement. The views and opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Frida Cinema or its staff. Member discounts and Frida Cinema comp passes not valid.