Sleepless in Seattle (PG) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Sleepless in Seattle (PG, 1993) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is a widowed architect struggling to raise his young son Jonah (Ross Malinger) in Seattle. Grief-stricken and emotionally withdrawn, Sam has no interest in dating until his persistent son calls a late-night radio show and tearfully describes his father's loneliness to the entire listening audience. The response is overwhelming—thousands of women send letters to Sam, desperate to help heal his broken heart. Meanwhile, in Baltimore, ambitious newspaper reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) hears the radio broadcast while driving and becomes inexplicably drawn to this stranger's story. Despite being engaged to a perfectly nice man, Annie becomes obsessed with Sam, eventually deciding to investigate him in person. She flies to Seattle under the pretense of writing a story, hoping to meet the man she's fallen for despite never having spoken to him. What follows is a romantic comedy about fate, connection, and whether two people can fall in love based on a late-night radio call.

Director Nora Ephron crafts a witty, emotionally intelligent romantic comedy that celebrates connection and second chances. The 1993 film works because it takes its emotional stakes seriously—Sam's grief is genuine, and his journey toward love feels earned rather than easy. Tom Hanks brings warmth and vulnerability to Sam, making his reluctant romance believable, while Meg Ryan's Annie is smart, funny, and genuinely appealing. The chemistry between them builds through cleverly written dialogue and genuine comedic timing. Ross Malinger makes Jonah endearing without becoming cloying, and his role in orchestrating his father's romance provides the film's emotional anchor. Victor Garber and Rosie O'Donnell provide excellent supporting performances. The film celebrates romantic connection while acknowledging that love requires risk and vulnerability. Marc Shaiman's romantic score perfectly complements Ephron's sharp dialogue and warm direction, creating a film that balances cynicism with genuine sentiment.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Sunday, July 26th at 4:00PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (Low level coarse language)