The Taste of Things and Six More Must-Watch Films on TV This Week

Skip the crowded Valentine's Day restaurant and indulge in a cinematic feast with our curated list of the seven best films to watch on TV this week. From romantic dramas to thrilling adventures, there's something for every viewer.

The Taste of Things: A Culinary Romance

French-Vietnamese director Tràn Anh Hùng, known for The Scent of Green Papaya, won Best Director at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for this exquisite film. The Taste of Things explores a slow-burning love affair between gourmand Dodin, played by Benoît Magimel, and his cook Eugénie, portrayed by Juliette Binoche. Set in a picturesque country estate, the couple crafts elaborate dishes to impress Dodin's dining companions, who admire Eugénie's culinary artistry and beauty. Hùng's deliberate cinematography savors every moment, though even the most sumptuous nine-course meal must eventually end. Catch this romantic masterpiece on Saturday, 14 February, at 9.35pm on BBC Four.

Predator: Badlands: A Sci-Fi Thriller

Director Dan Trachtenberg revitalizes the classic 80s sci-fi franchise with Predator: Badlands, starring Elle Fanning. This installment marks the first time a Predator, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, takes center stage as the protagonist. He journeys to a distant planet to battle the Kalisk, the only creature feared by Predators, with the help of his android guide Thia, portrayed by Fanning. Available now on Disney+, this action-packed film is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.

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Romancing the Stone: An Adventurous Rom-Com

Written by former cocktail waitress Diane Thomas, Romancing the Stone became a surprise box office hit. This rollicking romantic comedy features Kathleen Turner as Joan Wilder, a lonely romance novelist who travels to Colombia to rescue her kidnapped sister. Along the way, she falls for exotic bird smuggler Jack T Colton, played by Michael Douglas, and navigates dangers like man-eating crocodiles and mudslides. With Danny DeVito in a supporting role, this film promises a flirtatious and fun adventure. Tune in on Saturday, 14 February, at 3pm on Film4.

Bone Lake: An Erotic Thriller

From horror director Mercedes Bryce Morgan comes Bone Lake, a fast-paced erotic thriller. The story follows Diego, played by Marco Pigossi, and Sage, portrayed by Maddie Hasson, who arrive at a lakeside rental only to find it double-booked by Will, played by Alex Roe, and Cin, portrayed by Andra Nechita. Initially agreeing to share the space amicably, tensions soon rise in this suspenseful tale. Watch it on Saturday, 14 February, at 9.30pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.

Alfie: A Swinging 60s Classic

Michael Caine stars as the titular Alfie, a cockney charmer who regularly breaks the fourth wall to share his exploits with the audience. This 60s classic explores the existential ennui of a serial seducer whose carefree life unravels as consequences catch up with him. Blending saucy comedy with social realism, highlighted by Cilla Black's theme song, it's a timeless film. Catch it on Saturday, 14 February, at 12.55am on Sky Cinema Greats.

Shadow of a Doubt: A Hitchcock Masterpiece

Alfred Hitchcock often cited Shadow of a Doubt as his personal favorite. The film centers on Charlotte "Charlie" Newton, played by Teresa Wright, whose dull life in Santa Rosa, California, is disrupted by her charismatic uncle Charlie, portrayed by Joseph Cotten. Initially charming, Uncle Charlie's dark side emerges through rants about "rich widows," creating suspenseful intrigue. Watch this connoisseur's choice on Wednesday, 18 February, at 11am on Film4.

I Know What You Did Last Summer: A Slasher Reboot

This reboot of the slasher franchise blends 90s nostalgia with modern flair, featuring returning stars Freddie Prinze Jr and Jennifer Love Hewitt alongside new faces like Chase Sui Wonders and Gabbriette. Set 27 years after the original, the hook-handed fisherman returns to haunt the youth of Southport, North Carolina. With multiple airings on Friday, 20 February, at 7.50am and 8pm on Sky Cinema Premiere, it's perfect for horror fans.