This week's television schedule offers a rich selection of films, from poignant ghost stories to energetic comedies and classic Hollywood charm. We've curated the seven best movies to add to your watchlist.
Haunted by Memory: The Eternal Daughter
Joanna Hogg's latest drama, 'The Eternal Daughter', airs on BBC Two on Friday 23 January at 11pm. Set in a misty Welsh country hotel, the film uses the atmosphere of a haunted house to explore the ghosts of memory. Tilda Swinton delivers a sensitive dual performance as both Julie, a film-maker, and her elderly mother, Rosalind.
The pair visit the hotel, which was once Rosalind's aunt's home, for a nostalgic birthday trip. While Julie is disturbed by unexplained noises, her mother's recollections reveal a complex past. The result is a moving tale about love, loss, and the things we remember.
Classic Charms and Punchy New Thrills
Fans of classic cinema are in for a treat. Henry Koster's warm-hearted 1950 comedy 'Harvey' stars James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a man whose best friend is an invisible six-foot rabbit. It's a story about kindness and seeing the world pleasantly, airing on Film4 on Sunday 18 January at 11am.
Meanwhile, the sparkling Parisian caper 'Charade' (1963) pairs Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in a stylish thriller about stolen money and deadly secrets. Catch this near-perfect match on Talking Pictures TV on Sunday 18 January at 1.10pm.
For a modern, energetic delight, seek out 'Polite Society' on Film4 this Wednesday 21 January at 9pm. From 'We Are Lady Parts' creator Nida Manzoor, this comic thriller follows teenage martial arts fanatic Ria (Priya Kansara) as she attempts to sabotage her sister's arranged marriage. It's a film full of punchy energy and heart.
Powerful Dramas and Cult Remakes
This week also brings deeply affecting independent drama. 'Kindling' airs on BBC Three on Thursday 22 January at 11.30pm. Connor O'Hara's film follows a group of teenage friends gathering for a final summer with their terminally ill friend Sid. It's a heartbreaking but skillfully handled story of friendship and impending loss.
Cult film lovers can look forward to a remake of the 1984 eco-horror classic. 'The Toxic Avenger' stars Peter Dinklage as a janitor transformed into a superpowered crusader, airing on Sky Cinema Premiere on Thursday 22 January at 2am. Expect a gloriously silly and gory ride.
Finally, for a visceral feminist thriller, watch 'Revenge' on Legend Xtra on Friday 23 January at 11.10pm. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, it stars Matilda Lutz as Jen, who survives a brutal attack and embarks on a mission of retribution. It's a tense and visually striking film that blends empowerment with extreme thrills.
