It's really interesting to see this documentary about a cinema, even John Waters admitted it surprised him. The "Scala" name quickly drew in people who didn’t fit the mainstream mold – whether it was their actions, viewpoints, or film preferences. With a remarkable amount of well-researched footage and interviews from those who worked at or went to the cinema over the years, we discover a place that welcomed all sorts: bohemians, people indulging in excess, those experimenting with drugs and alcohol, members of the LGBTQ+ community – and yes, even serious film buffs, as it opened and eventually closed many years later with "King Kong" (1933). I lived in London during the late 1980s, and King’s Cross was rough—full of sex workers, young men soliciting, and you were always aware of heroin use. “Scala” flourished within this alternative and pleasure-seeking atmosphere, and while I can't say I regularly frequented the place after midnight, my two visits were enjoyable and not at all threatening; the sound system wasn’t great! Everything was fair game – porn, horror films, martial arts movies, cartoons - until the local council objected to "A Clockwork Orange" (1971), and the resulting legal battle essentially ended its run as a cinema. The film shows how it rose and fell, demonstrating that the location itself wasn't what made it special. There were sticky floors, sticky seats, and rumors of discreet “back massages” offering everything from a place to sleep to something more intimate. It does include a predictable bit of criticism of Mrs. Thatcher at the end, which somehow feels right for a cinema that existed precisely because it was so defiant and championed freedom of expression. It brought to mind the "Studio 54" (2018) documentary. A place that was legendary, fun, and vital - perhaps still is. It’s worth watching on a large screen if you have the chance.

Source on TMDB