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Revisit the bleakest high school comedy of the 1980s at these thirtieth anniversary events
It’s a frankly frightening 30 years since ‘Heathers’ opened in cinemas. Teen movie connoisseurs have treasured the 1988 cult film since then, and it’s easy to see why. There are brutal put-downs. Gory murders. Oh, and ’80s-tastic fashions the ‘Clueless’ gals would kill for. The wondrous Winona Ryder and the perma-smouldering bad boy Christian Slater play a pair of vengeful young psychopaths who’d probably be horrified at the thought of entering their fourth decade, but don’t let that stop you celebrating at one of these special screenings of the meticulously remastered movie re-release.
1 Have fun in the sun
Croquet, tennis, and alfresco dates: the ‘Heathers’ clique are all about the vitamin D, so an outdoor screening is the perfect way to pay ultimate homage to them. Rooftop Film Clubs’ screening also offers stunning views, cocktails and a tasty all-American snack line-up. Bussey Building. Peckham Rye Overground. Fri Aug 10. £15.95.
2 See it for just £5
Enjoy a teen classic at pocket-money prices at beloved indie cinema the Genesis. Plus, there’s a thoroughly grown-up, brick-walled on-site bar where you can sink a pint afterwards – or go for mineral water, whatever your sexual orientation. Genesis Cinema. Tube: Stepney Green. Aug 14. £5.
3 Dig out your shoulderpads
The late-night screening hosted by Rio Cinema in Dalston features a costume competition: get your best preppy ’80s high school togs on to win some ‘Heathers’ merch. Then head out into Dalston’s nightlife, cloaked in a mist of hair spray. Rio Cinema. Dalston Kingsland Overground. Fri Aug 10. £8-£10.
4 Feel like a true superfan
See into the dark and twisted minds of the team that created ‘Heathers’ at this special BFI screening. It was director Michael Lehmann’s debut film: he’ll introduce it, alongside original Heather (the cheerleading one) Lisanne Falk. BFI Southbank. Tube: Waterloo. Wed Aug 8. £12-£16.50.
5 Watch it in vintage splendour
‘Real life sucks losers dry’, quoth queen bee Heather. So escape into the retro interior of Clapton’s newly renovated Castle Cinema: plushy red velvet seats, a retro cocktail bar and elegant art deco stylings. How very. The Castle Cinema. Homerton Overground. Fri Aug 10. £14.50.
“Kubrick wasn’t interested, so I snuck in”, read our interview with ‘Heathers’ director Michael Lehmann here.
Want a high school movie with a little less homicide? Go and see ‘Grease’ or ‘Mean Girls’ with Time Out’s Movies on the River.
Just don’t patronise the bunny rabbits on London’s city farms.