This week's television schedule offers a rich selection of cinematic gems, from poignant ghost stories and classic Hollywood comedies to energetic modern thrillers. Whether you're in the mood for reflection, laughter, or action, there's a film waiting for you.
Haunted by Memories: A Poignant Double Role
Joanna Hogg's "The Eternal Daughter" arrives on BBC Two this Friday, presenting a masterful and subtle ghost story. The film stars the ever-versatile Tilda Swinton in a remarkable dual performance as both Julie, a filmmaker, and her elderly mother, Rosalind.
Set in a mist-enshrouded Welsh country hotel that was once Rosalind's aunt's home, the trip is intended as a nostalgic birthday treat. However, the creaking old building soon reveals that its ghosts are less supernatural and more deeply personal. As unexplained noises unsettle Julie, Rosalind's guarded memories of childhood visits surface, blending the joyful with the painful. This is a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and family secrets, airing on Friday 23 January at 11pm on BBC Two.
Classic Charms and Punchy New Thrills
For those seeking classic Hollywood brilliance, "Charade" (1963) pairs the iconic Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in a stylish Parisian crime caper. Stanley Donen directs this thrilling tale of a widow pursued for her murdered husband's fortune, with Grant as a charming stranger with hidden motives. Catch it on Sunday 18 January at 1.10pm on Talking Pictures TV.
From the modern slate, Nida Manzoor's "Polite Society" bursts onto screens with infectious energy. Following her success with We Are Lady Parts, Manzoor delivers a punchy comic thriller about teenage martial arts enthusiast Ria (Priya Kansara), who plots to sabotage her sister's arranged marriage. This vibrant exploration of sisterhood and dreams is not to be missed on Wednesday 21 January at 9pm on Film4.
More Unmissable Viewing This Week
The week is packed with diverse offerings. "Harvey" (1950) features James Stewart at his most amiable as a man whose best friend is a six-foot invisible rabbit, airing Sunday on Film4.
"Kindling" is a heartbreaking British drama about a group of friends facing a terminal diagnosis, showing on BBC Three Thursday night.
For cult horror fans, the remake of "The Toxic Avenger" starring Peter Dinklage brings gruesome, silly fun to Sky Cinema early Thursday.
Finally, Coralie Fargeat's "Revenge" is a visceral and stylish feminist thriller that transforms its protagonist into an angel of death, airing on Legend Xtra Friday night.
With this varied lineup, there is truly something for every film lover to discover and enjoy across UK channels this week.
