Top 3 Films of the Week


Blockbuster Of The Week

Hamnet (12A)


Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao. Photo: Agata Grzybowska. Copyright: Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao. Photo: Agata Grzybowska. Copyright: Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.

William Shakespeare falls under the spell of Agnes Hathaway, who is rumoured to be the daughter of a forest witch. They plan to marry after consummating the relationship, despite fierce opposition from William’s disapproving mother, Mary. The couple persist and raise a family in Stratford-upon-Avon comprising daughter Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet. During a period of absence when William is working in London, bubonic plague ravages the household.



Find Hamnet in the cinemas


Drama Of The Week

Giant (15)


Amir El-Masry as Naseem Hamed in Giant, directed by Rowan Athale. Photo: Sam Taylor. Copyright: True Brit. All Rights Reserved.
Amir El-Masry as Naseem Hamed in Giant, directed by Rowan Athale. Photo: Sam Taylor. Copyright: True Brit. All Rights Reserved.

In 1981 Sheffield, Yemeni shop owner Caira Hamed enrols her three boys at St Thomas’ Boys and Girls Club boxing gym and trainer Brendan Ingle gravitates towards the youngest, seven-year old Naseem. The tyke blossoms and Brendan stokes his protege’s self-belief to prepare him for glory inside the ring: Boxing promoter Frank Warren enthusiastically hitches his wagon to Naseem and Brendan and divisions appear in professional relationships.



Find Giant in the cinemas


Critic's Choice Of The Week

Becoming Victoria Wood (15)


Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders in Becoming Victoria Wood, directed by Catherine Abbott. Copyright: Dartmouth Films. All Rights Reserved.
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders in Becoming Victoria Wood, directed by Catherine Abbott. Copyright: Dartmouth Films. All Rights Reserved.

A feature-length documentary portrait of the Lancashire actress, writer and comedian to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Wood’s death. Rarely seen archive footage and previously unheard audio recordings shed light on the creative dynamo responsible for the likes of As Seen On TV, dinnerladies, Pat And Margaret and Wood And Walters. Wood’s first recorded performance from 1973 is complemented by intimate audio diaries, unheard interviews and behind-the-scenes material.



Find Becoming Victoria Wood in the cinemas


 

Also Released This Week...

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (18)

Separated from his father and home, teenager Spike has a close encounter with menacing gang leader Jimmy Crystal that rapidly becomes a nightmare he cannot escape. As the youngster faces a harrowing ordeal, Dr Kelson is shocked to forge a connection to the hulking Alpha known as Samson.

Find 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple in the cinemas


Labyrinth (PG)

Jim Henson's musical fantasy returns to cinemas to mark the film's 40th anniversary. Fifteen-year-old Sarah Williams loses her patience with her baby brother Toby and wishes him to be snatched away by the Goblin King Jareth. Magically, Jareth appears and steals away the infant.

Find Labyrinth in the cinemas


Royal Opera Live: La Traviata (TBC)

Antonello Manacorda conducts Richard Eyre's staging of Verdi's passionate opera based on The Lady Of The Camellias by Alexandre Dumas, which is broadcast live from the stage of the Royal Opera House in London.

Find Royal Opera Live: La Traviata in the cinemas