This week's television schedule offers a diverse selection of cinematic treats, from thrilling horror sequels to poignant documentaries. Whether you're in the mood for action-packed artificial intelligence drama or sharp-tongued political comedy, there's something for every film enthusiast.
Pick of the Week: M3gan 2.0
The malevolent AI doll returns in this highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 horror hit. M3gan 2.0 sees the original robotic protector superseded by Amelia, an even deadlier model that has gone rogue from its military handlers. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles as inventor Gemma and her niece Cady, who must reluctantly join forces with a rebooted M3gan in a Mission: Impossible-style operation to defeat the new threat.
This fun-filled sequel maintains a healthy seam of sarcastic humour, featuring a particularly superb misuse of a Kate Bush song, while occasionally touching upon serious considerations about the future of artificial intelligence. The film delivers an entertaining ride that balances horror with clever commentary.
Friday 6 February, 12.30pm and 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Afire
German director Christian Petzold continues his elemental film series with this brooding 2023 drama. The story uses the looming threat of a forest fire to concentrate the mind of its protagonist, self-centred author Leon, played by Thomas Schubert.
When Leon visits his photographer friend Felix's holiday home to work quietly on his book, he discovers Paula Beer's character Nadja already staying there. As Felix becomes involved with local lifeguard Devid, the immature Leon reacts badly to these real-life dramas, prompting questions about whether such experiences are necessary for creating great fiction.
Saturday 31 January, 11pm, BBC Four
Chevalier
Stephen Williams's period biopic offers a fascinating slice of Black history through the extraordinary life of Joseph Bologne. The mixed-race son of an enslaved Guadeloupe woman and a French plantation owner, Joseph rises through late 18th-century Parisian society to become a celebrated composer, violinist, master fencer, and revolutionary soldier.
Kelvin Harrison Jr delivers a compelling performance as Joseph, whose growing celebrity threatens social and racial distinctions in a city where unrest is steadily building. The film presents a captivating portrait of a man positioned at the dead centre of his historical moment.
Monday 2 February, 10.55pm, Film4
The Night of the 12th
Dominik Moll's immersive true-crime drama takes inspiration from an unsolved murder case, offering viewers a realistic portrayal of investigative frustration rather than conventional resolution. Similar in tone to David Fincher's Zodiac, the film follows the hunt for the killer of Clara, a young woman from a small town in the French Alps.
Bastien Bouillon plays newly appointed lead detective Yohan, who struggles to make progress as every one of Clara's loathsome lovers - both past and present - provokes suspicion. The narrative oscillates between revelation and frustration, creating a compelling procedural drama.
Tuesday 3 February, 1.35am, Film4
Ella McCay
The return to directing of James L Brooks after fifteen years is cause for celebration, as is a lead role for the talented Emma Mackey. This comedy-drama follows an idealistic 34-year-old woman thrust unexpectedly into the role of state governor.
While the film may not represent the peak of either Brooks's or Mackey's careers, it benefits from strong supporting performances. Jamie Lee Curtis brings her signature sharp-tongued brilliance as Ella's aunt, while Woody Harrelson adds depth as her estranged father, providing the film with much-needed comic vitality.
Thursday 5 February, Disney+
Name Me Lawand
Edward Lovelace's deeply touching documentary offers hearing viewers an insight into deaf experiences while exploring the trauma faced by asylum seekers. The film follows Lawand, a young Iraqi Kurd who attends the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby after coming to the UK.
Through muffled sounds, silence, and closed captions, the documentary adds depth to Lawand's story as he struggles to adjust to a new life and learn to communicate - particularly challenging as his parents won't learn sign language. The family's fight against deportation hinges on Lawand's success at school, adding considerable pressure to this engaging, hopeful child.
Thursday 5 February, 2.50am, Channel 4
Silver Haze
Director Sacha Polak and actor Vicky Knight reunite for another powerful exploration of trauma, love, and unexpected families. Knight plays Franky, a nurse physically and emotionally scarred by a fire fifteen years earlier who harbours vengeful thoughts against those responsible.
When Franky meets suicidal patient Florence, played by Esme Creed-Miles, she falls fatefully in love. This relationship proves far from the "normal" connection she desires, but Florence's grandmother, portrayed by Angela Bruce, might offer a path toward resolution.
Friday 6 February, 11pm, BBC Two
