This week's television lineup offers a diverse array of films, from hard-hitting dramas to beloved comedies. Here are the seven best films to watch, carefully selected for your viewing pleasure.
How to Have Sex
Molly Manning Walker's debut feature is a bruising exploration of sex and consent among teenagers. Mia McKenna-Bruce stars as Tara, a vulnerable 16-year-old who travels to Malia, Crete, with her friends Skye (Lara Peake) and Em (Enva Lewis). The holiday is a whirlwind of drinking, dancing, and partying. However, when they befriend older hotel guests Paddy and Badger (Samuel Bottomley and Shaun Thomas), Tara faces pressure to lose her virginity in an environment where anything goes. The film delves into jealousy, peer pressure, and the consequences of a night out. Airs Thursday at 9pm on Film4.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Fifteen years after the band's split, filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) returns to document the legendary rockers' reunion concert in New Orleans. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer reprise their roles as the aging, slightly wiser bandmates. The film features cameos from Paul McCartney and Elton John, along with callbacks to the original's iconic moments like cursed drummers and Stonehenge. It balances humor with surprisingly accomplished rock music. Airs Saturday at 8am, 4.10pm, and 10.25pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.
From Here to Eternity
Fred Zinnemann's Oscar-winning drama, based on James Jones's novel, is set on a Hawaii army base in 1941. The story focuses on two intense romances: Montgomery Clift's bullied new recruit finds solace with Donna Reed's club hostess, while Burt Lancaster's sergeant begins an affair with Deborah Kerr's captain's wife. The Pearl Harbor attack serves as a backdrop to these illicit relationships. Airs Saturday at 4.35pm on Talking Pictures TV.
Black Box
This 2021 French thriller pays homage to 1970s paranoia films like The Conversation. Pierre Niney plays Mathieu, an obsessive air-crash investigator who analyzes cockpit voice recorders. When a plane crashes in the Alps, he is tasked with finding the cause. But as he delves deeper, he questions the reliability of the recording and his boss's sudden disappearance. Mathieu descends into a conspiracy that may or may not be real. Airs Saturday at midnight on BBC Two.
Here We Are
Nir Bergman's drama offers a valuable perspective on autism. Shai Avivi plays Aharon, a divorced father who is the sole carer for his adult son Uri (Noam Imber). When Uri is due to move into a specialist hostel, Aharon cannot bear the separation, and Uri fears abandonment. They go on the run, but Aharon's motives are questioned. Is he acting for Uri's sake or his own? This coming-of-age story is illuminating and heartwarming. Airs Sunday at 11.50pm on BBC Two.
Batman
Tim Burton's 1989 film redefined the superhero genre, casting Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Nicholson clearly relishes his role as the giggling psychopath, while Keaton brings a brooding intensity. The film features a revamped Batmobile, a score by Danny Elfman, and songs by Prince. The sequel, Batman Returns, airs at 8pm. Tuesday at 5.50pm on Sky Cinema Greats.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
The third and final film in the Downton Abbey series follows the Crawley family in 1930. The main scandal involves Lady Mary's (Michelle Dockery) divorce, which prevents her from being presented to a prince. There is also distressing talk about money involving Cora's brother (Paul Giamatti), and a guest appearance by Noël Coward. Fans of the series will enjoy this spiffing conclusion. Airs Friday at 7.55am and 8pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.
