Wicked Little Letters to The Shining: the seven best films to watch on TV this week
Top Choice: Wicked Little Letters
When a series of mysterious letters filled with poison are sent to a respected resident named Edith in a quiet coastal town, suspicion falls on her neighbor Rose, a strong-willed single mother from Ireland. The situation becomes comical as Edith, played by Olivia Colman, delivers foul language and insults in this 1920s based comedy directed by Thea Sharrock. As the writer's anger expands to target the entire community, a message about the consequences of bullying and oppression emerges behind the gossip. However, the entertainment of watching Colman and Buckley's characters clash is enough on its own. Available on Netflix now.
It is about time that the talented Nikki Amuka-Bird gets more leading roles, so we are excited for Will Gilbey's new real-time thriller. The film has elements of classic movies like Rio Bravo and Assault on Precinct 13, as Amuka-Bird's deputy sheriff is trapped in her station during an attack by armed intruders. Her only companions are her son Monty and a jailed domestic abuser named Earl. But what do the attackers want? While some parts of the story may be predictable, the film is well directed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Catch it on Sunday, July 28th at 2:50pm and 10pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.
After the success of The Sixth Sense, director M Night Shyamalan returned with another eerie story starring Bruce Willis. In this superhero trilogy kickoff, Willis portrays a security guard named David who discovers he is invincible after surviving a train accident. Samuel L Jackson plays Elijah, a comic book fan who believes David is destined to become a crime fighter. The film combines graphic novel visuals with a relatable origin story. Catch it on Sunday 28 July at 9pm on Great! Movies.
To honor Shelley Duvall, the BBC will be airing Stanley Kubrick's iconic horror film. Though Duvall didn't have the best experience on set, she truly shines as the terrified wife of Jack Nicholson's unstable caretaker. The family, along with their psychic son, spend the winter in a deserted hotel and face terrifying experiences. The film is visually stunning, expertly crafted to be as frightening as can be, making it a must-watch for horror fans. Catch it on Sunday 28th July at 10pm on BBC Two.
In the future, visitors may have to pay to visit Venice for the day, making it difficult to experience the beauty of the city. David Lean's romantic film from 1955 offers a stunning visual depiction of Venice that captivates the American tourist played by Katharine Hepburn. The bittersweet love story between Hepburn and local Rossano Brazzi unfolds against the backdrop of the city's charm. Hepburn delivers a brilliant performance as a mature woman exploring new possibilities. Catch this classic on Monday 29 July at 4.05pm on Talking Pictures TV.
In Spike Lee's new film, "Mo' Better Blues," we follow the story of Bleek Gilliam, a Brooklyn trumpeter played by Denzel Washington. This movie is a tribute to Black jazz, showcasing the passion Bleek has for music. Despite juggling two relationships with teacher Indigo and singer Clarke, Bleek must also navigate a power struggle within his music group led by saxophonist Shadow, played by Wesley Snipes. The real star of the show, however, is the music itself, composed by Lee's father and performed by the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Terence Blanchard. Catch this film on Wednesday, July 31 at 4:25am on Sky Cinema Greats.
There is something emotionally refreshing about the raw honesty and quietness of a film by Ingmar Bergman. His movie from 1972, focusing on three sisters with one of them slowly dying, is a perfect example. In a childhood home filled with a dark red color scheme, Karin and Maria (played by Ingrid Thulin and Liv Ullmann) wait for Agnes (played by Harriet Andersson) to pass away, while their hidden truths come to light. It's sure to be a turbulent journey. Catch it on Thursday 1 August at 1.15pm on Sky Cinema Greats.
