This week brings an exceptional lineup of films to television screens across the UK, featuring everything from epic American tales to gripping thrillers and award-winning classics. With streaming services and traditional broadcasters offering diverse options, there's something for every cinema enthusiast.
Epic Drama and Sci-Fi Finales
Train Dreams arrives on Netflix this Friday, 21 November, presenting an emotionally charged adaptation of Denis Johnson's celebrated novella. Directed by Clint Bentley, this period piece features powerful performances from Joel Edgerton as Robert, a railway worker in early 20th century Idaho, and Felicity Jones as his wife Gladys. The film captures their journey from solitary existence to family bliss and subsequent tragedy, told through elegaic narration and stunning natural imagery that echoes Terrence Malick's distinctive style.
Meanwhile, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker lands on ITV1 this Saturday, 15 November at 4pm. This final chapter in JJ Abrams' trilogy navigates the absence of Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia by focusing intensely on the complex dynamic between Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Despite questions surrounding Emperor Palpatine's unexpected return, Ian McDiarmid's deliciously evil cameo provides particular enjoyment amidst the spectacular planet-hopping adventures.
Classic Cinema and Gripping Thrillers
Sunday evening offers two exceptional options for film lovers. BBC Two presents Brian De Palma's The Untouchables at 10pm, featuring an all-star cast including Kevin Costner as Treasury agent Eliot Ness and Robert De Niro as the terrifying Al Capone. With a script by David Mamet and score by Ennio Morricone, this 1987 prohibition-era crime drama remains a masterpiece of its genre, despite Sean Connery's questionable Irish accent.
For those preferring more contemporary tension, Channel 4 broadcasts '71 in the early hours of Sunday morning at 1:15am. This gripping thriller stars Jack O'Connell as a British soldier separated from his unit in Troubles-era Belfast. Director Yann Demange creates a relentless, nuanced portrait of survival as the protagonist navigates unfamiliar territory and political complexities he barely understands.
Award Winners and Hidden Gems
Monday night on BBC Two brings A Thousand and One at 11pm, featuring Teyana Taylor's remarkable performance as Inez, a recently released prisoner who kidnaps her son from the care system. AV Rockwell's tender yet tough New York drama explores shifting emotions and responsibilities with piercing honesty, showcasing Taylor's ability to command the screen throughout.
For classical music enthusiasts, Sky Cinema Greats presents Milos Forman's eight-time Oscar winner Amadeus on Thursday, 20 November at 11:50pm. This magnificent period drama explores the bitter rivalry between court composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) and musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce), revealing that genius doesn't necessarily correlate with good character.
The week concludes with The Unholy Trinity arriving on Paramount+ on Friday, 21 November. This solid western stars Pierce Brosnan as a sheriff with secrets and Samuel L. Jackson as a mysterious figure from the past, set in a Montana settlement where hidden gold and ambiguous morality create an engaging narrative.
