I Am Not Your Negro Sat 20/6 BBC2 @ 21.00
A documentary about the history of racism in the United States and what it means to be born Black in a country that hates you. It's tough going and contains some quite upsetting archival footage but it's a very necessary watch because there's still such a way to go over there in terms of race relations. Narrator Samuel. L. Jackson conveys writer James Baldwin's words superbly. The most important thing you'll watch this week.
Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool Sat 20/6 RTE1 @ 21.40
In the twilight of her career an American actress called Gloria Grahame comes to London to act onstage. Here she falls for a much younger man and their relationship soothes what comes next. Annette Bening is stunning in this look at aging and the agonies of loneliness. It's an upsetting real life story but the palpable chemistry between Bening and Jamie Bell as her young beau eases the pain.
Garage Sat 20/6 RTE1 @ 23.40
Josie lives a slow and solitary life in a small village in Offaly. One day a chance of friendship rears it's head but it doesn't take long for things to go sideways. Pat Shortt is a revelation in Lenny Abrahamson's quietly devastating tale of rural isolation. It sounds grim but it's a painfully real film that deserves to be seen. Anne-Marie Duff in support plays one of Josie's few friends and offers some respite from the darkness.
The Devil Rides Out Sun 21/6 The Horror Channel @ 02.35
In 1929 a nobleman finds himself in the fight of his life as he strives to defend himself and his friends from a gang of satanists and the demonic onslaught they conjure forth. Christopher Lee excels in the lead role in this genuinely unsettling, atmospheric and beautifully shot film adapted by Hammer productions from the famous book by Dennis Wheatley. The effects might be aged but the scares are still effective as hell.
Tomb Raider Sun 21/6 ITV @ 19.50
Lara Croft, a young woman without any real purpose in life after the disappearance of her father, finds a clue to his whereabouts and sets off to get him back. This 2018 take on the famous video game franchise is a surprisingly faithful adaption, especially during its stealthier moments. Annoyingly, because it's on early, ITV will probably snip it's grittier moments out. Alicia Vikander is a decent Lara and Walton Goggins makes for a nasty bad guy.
Dog Day Afternoon Sun 21/6 TCM @ 21.00
On a blisteringly hot day in Brooklyn a man called Sonny holds up a bank with the intention of using the money for his partner's gender re-assignment surgery. His actions turn him into a bit of a star. Sidney Lumet's 1975 drama is still a vital watch about a post war America grasping for any bit of optimism it could get. Al Pacino is an amazing lead and John Cazale's showing as his robber pal Sal is brilliantly tragic.
Leviathan Mon 22/6 BBC2 @ 01.00
Russian art movie time. No, come back. Kolya, a man living in a coastal town is about to lose his house and his land due to shady deals involving the town's mayor Vadim. Everything goes downhill for him from here. A dark, grim indictment of Russia, it's social issues and it's hypocrisy when it comes to religion. Aleksei Serebryakov is a magnificent lead. You won't feel good after this but you'll be glad you watched it.
Call Me By Your Name Mon 22/6 Film4 @ 21.00
Elio, a teenager lives a carefree life in the early 80's Italy. Until he meets Oliver, an American man hired to work with his father and his life gets rather complicated when he starts to feel attracted to him. Lead Timothée Chalamet is massively overrated but this film isn't. It's a powerful look at the pain and angst and discovery of your formative years. Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg do excellent work
The Program Mon 22/6 TG4 @ 21.30
An Irish journalist digs into the background and training regime of famous cyclist Lance Armstrong and what he finds shakes the sporting world to it's core. You know how this one ends but there's plenty here that will surprise you while Armstrong's arrogance will enrage you. Chris O'Dowd does well in a rare dramatic role as David Walsh and Ben Foster is uncanny as sport's most infamous drugs cheat.
Carol Tues 23/6 Film4 @ 23.15
In 1950's New York, two women of very different social status meet and fall in love. But the social mores of the day are a major barrier to their happiness. A magnificent film that fully deserves the critical acclaim it received. It's a compelling and heartbreaking watch that contains two sublime performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Kyle Chandler as always adds a touch of class too.
On Chesil Beach Wed 24/6 BBC2 @ 21.00
A young couple get married in 1962 and because of a lack of knowledge with all matters sexual, find their lives irreparably changed after a disastrous wedding night. Set in a time before such things were talked about openly this is a frustratingly sad look at the damage a lack of communication can do. It's not perfect and the final third feels quite episodic but an immense turn from Saoirse Ronan will keep you watching.
A Fantastic Woman Thur 25/6 Film4 @ 01.30
A transgender woman called Marina living in Santiago, Chile has her life flipped upside down when her older boyfriend passes away suddenly. Sebastián Lelio's 2017 drama is a stunner. A subtle, thoughtful and flawlessly acted look at a life in freefall caused by problems cis folk wouldn't even consider an issue. Danielle Vega as Marina puts in a barnstormer of a performance. This one is well worth staying awake for.
The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre Thur 25/6 TCM @ 13.30
Three dirt poor American immigrants band together in Mexico to find a buried treasure but problems inside and outside their little group cause major trouble for them.A true classic. This type of film where you'll recognise the story and dialogue even if you haven't seen it because it's been homaged so much. Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston are just deadly in a masterpiece directed by Walter's son John.
The Lady In The Van Fri 26/6 BBC1 @ 22.45
A homeless elderly woman moves into van outside a man's house. At first they hate each other but a bond slowly but surely develops over the years. A gentle bit of comedy bolstered by a great performance from the always reliable Maggie Smith. She's perfect at playing a cranky old wagon with plenty of hidden depths. Alex Jennings does well as Alan Bennett on who's life this story is based.
Hang Em' High Fri 26/6 TG4 @ 22.10
Jed Cooper is accused of rustling and hung without trial. But Jed is played by Clint Eastwood and of course he survives the ordeal. He takes a job in law enforcement and set out for revenge on the sons of bitches who wronged him. Clint's first big American western after his time in Europe is a fun one that feels more John Wayne than Sergio Leone. Pat Hingle and numerous familiar genre faces add to the enjoyment.
The International Fri 26/6 RTE1 @ 23.10
An interpol agent and a district attorney team up to bring down a bank involved in dodgy dealings and find their lives are in severe danger. A twisty- turny thriller that feels like a grown up version of a Bond film. This was mostly ignored on release and its a pity. Clive Owen & Naomi Watts add solid heft in the lead roles and it contains a quite spectacular action scene in a well known NYC landmark that would please anyone.
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