This week, a diverse array of films is available on television and streaming services, ranging from the pastoral tensions of “Harvest” to the suspenseful “The Whisper Man.” Here are seven recommended films to consider adding to your watchlist.
“Harvest,” directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari and inspired by Jim Crace’s novel, unfolds in a nameless rural Scottish community. The film focuses on Master Kent, portrayed by Harry Melling, who manages the village’s agricultural workforce. The arrival of Kent’s cousin, who intends to enclose shared lands for sheep farming, unsettles the town’s traditional lifestyle, delving into themes of class struggle and the shifting dynamics of economic power. It will be aired on BBC Two on Friday, September 4, at 11:05 p.m.
Available on Netflix, “The Whisper Man” centers on Tom, a crime writer who faces a nightmare when his eight-year-old son is kidnapped under circumstances echoing the crimes of a notorious serial killer. As Tom collaborates with his estranged father Peter, a retired detective who originally apprehended the Whisper Man, the investigation raises questions about whether they are dealing with a copycat or if an innocent man was jailed.
Another highlight is “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler, which explores the challenges faced by T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. As T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, navigates threats to his throne, the film examines themes of power, identity, and Wakanda’s global interactions. Also starring Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright, it will air on Channel 4 on Saturday, August 29, at 8 p.m.
On the same evening, Sky Atlantic will broadcast “Lee” at 9 p.m., a biographical drama featuring Kate Winslet as Lee Miller, a war photographer during World War II. Directed by Ellen Kuras, the film chronicles Miller’s coverage of the London Blitz, the liberation of Europe, and the discovery of Nazi concentration camps, showcasing her relentless pursuit to document the brutal realities of war.
For science fiction enthusiasts, “The Fifth Element,” directed by Luc Besson, offers an exhilarating adventure set in the 23rd century. Bruce Willis stars as a taxi driver who becomes entangled in a mission to thwart an evil force threatening Earth, with Milla Jovovich playing Leeloo, a key figure in the planet’s survival. This film will be available to watch on Sky Sci-Fi on Monday, August 31, at 7 p.m.
Fans of historical narratives might enjoy “Little Big Man,” a revisionist western by Arthur Penn, featuring Dustin Hoffman as Jack Crabb. Crabb narrates his life story, which spans experiences with Native Americans and later life in white society, exploring themes of cultural clash and identity. “Little Big Man” is scheduled to air on 5Action on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:45 a.m.
Lastly, Netflix presents “Anora,” a film by Sean Baker. Mikey Madison stars as the titular character, a Brooklyn stripper whose life is transformed when she becomes romantically involved with Ivan, from an affluent Russian family. As Anora attempts to navigate her new reality amidst familial opposition, the film intertwines elements of comedy and drama. “Anora” will be available for streaming on Thursday, September 3.