Kick off the new year with a thrilling line-up of cinematic treats hitting UK television screens this week. From the long-awaited return of a cult horror franchise to a flamboyant musical biopic, there's something for every film fan to enjoy from the comfort of their sofa.
Zombie Saga Resurrected and Wes Anderson's Latest
The headline act is undoubtedly the return of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's visceral dystopian world in 28 Years Later. This first film in a new trilogy, arriving 18 years after the last instalment, is set in a Britain quarantined from Europe. It moves beyond pure survival horror to focus on protecting the remnants of civilisation after the rage virus infection.
The story follows Spike (Alfie Williams), who lives with his parents, Isla (Jodie Comer) and Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), on the fortified island of Lindisfarne. Their precarious existence is shattered by dangerous forays to the mainland, while the mysterious Dr. Kessler (Ralph Fiennes) lurks in the woods with unknown intentions. This is a gripping and intense revisit to a familiar nightmare, where glimmers of hope stubbornly persist. Catch it on New Year's Day at 6.30am and 8pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.
Also on Sky Cinema Premiere is the latest from the unmistakable Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme. True to form, it features a surreal plot, meticulously detailed sets and deadpan performances from a star-studded cast, including Benicio Del Toro and Mia Threapleton.
The film follows dodgy tycoon Zsa-Zsa Korda (Del Toro) and his novice daughter Liesl (Threapleton) on a giddy, fund-raising quest for a colossal infrastructure project. Their journey involves assassins, romantic subplots, political intrigue and, of course, a handy box of grenades. It's a typically ridiculous yet thoroughly entertaining Anderson affair. Watch it on Saturday 27 December at 9.35am and 6.15pm.
Music Legends and Offbeat Comedies
Music fans are in for a treat with Baz Luhrmann's biopic Elvis, airing on BBC One. Austin Butler delivers a magnetic performance as the iconic hip-swivelling king of rock 'n' roll. The film, however, gives almost equal weight to Elvis's manipulative manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks with a curious accent.
Luhrmann's flair for musical spectacle brings Presley's legendary performances to vibrant life, making the complex Svengali-like relationship between artist and manager the film's compelling core. Tune in on Saturday 27 December at 7.45pm on BBC One.
For something completely different, Sky Cinema Premiere and Paramount+ offer Friendship, the first leading film role for left-field comic Tim Robinson. He plays Craig, a socially awkward office worker with a normal family, whose life unravels after a friendship with his weather presenter neighbour (Paul Rudd) goes sour. The result is a disturbing and brilliantly funny exploration of humiliation and social collapse. It's on Tuesday 30 December at 9.30am and 10.30pm.
Family Favourites and Cult Classics
Viewers seeking charm should not miss the delightful mockumentary Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Voiced by Jenny Slate, Marcel is a one-inch-tall shell living with his Nana (Isabella Rossellini) in a rented house. The film's inventive, Borrowers-esque world, where household items become tools, is full of heart and gentle humour. Find it on New Year's Eve at 9.35am on BBC One.
Adventure beckons with the perennial family favourite The Goonies on ITV1. This Richard Donner-directed romp, from a story by Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus, follows a group of kids on a treasure hunt to save their homes. With its bat-filled tunnels, booby traps and iconic truffle shuffle, it remains a timeless crowd-pleaser. Watch on New Year's Eve at 12.35pm.
Finally, ring in the new year with the ultimate cult comedy, Withnail & I on Film4. Bruce Robinson's 1987 masterpiece follows two unemployed, miserable actors (Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann) on a disastrous holiday in the Lake District. Overflowing with legendary quotes and tragicomic brilliance, it's the perfect film for a boozy night in. The broadcast starts at 11.40pm on New Year's Eve.
