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Must-See Movies on Freeview and Freely This April
Enhance your viewing experience this April with Freeview and Freely, bringing you a curated collection of captivating movies. From acclaimed Oscar-winning productions to cherished family animations and underground hits, there’s a film for every taste. Whether you’re seeking thrilling action, perplexing mysteries, or heartwarming narratives, explore our guide to the top movies to watch this month.
Channel 4 Featured Films
Rocketman (2019)
Delve into the transformative journey of music icon Elton John with this celebrated biopic. Rocketman portrays Reginald Dwight’s evolution into the legendary performer during his breakthrough 1970s era. Taron Egerton embodies Elton John, alongside Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh as his parents, Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, and Richard Madden as John Reid. The film garnered the Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again’.
Fresh (2022)
Experience suspense and chills with Fresh, a 2022 horror-thriller starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa, a woman jaded by modern dating. A chance encounter at a grocery store leads her to Steve, portrayed by Sebastian Stan. Accepting a weekend getaway invitation, Noa soon uncovers Steve’s unsettling predilections. Fresh premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2022, earning accolades for its innovative approach to the horror genre.
Submarine (2010)
Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut, Submarine, presents a poignant coming-of-age dramedy centered on Oliver Tate, a socially awkward adolescent navigating the complexities of first love and familial strife in Wales. Craig Roberts portrays Oliver, who becomes enamored with the rebellious Jordana (Yasmin Paige) while attempting to mend his parents’ fracturing marriage. Distinguished by its wry wit, distinctive visual style, and soundtrack by Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner, Submarine was lauded upon release for its sharp screenplay and Ayoade’s unique direction, securing a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut.
My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Confront the chilling origins of infamy in My Friend Dahmer, a biographical drama exploring the formative teenage years of Jeffrey Dahmer. Ross Lynch delivers a haunting portrayal of young Dahmer, depicting his struggles with isolation, somber inclinations, and a troubled home environment preceding his criminal trajectory. Adapted from John Backderf’s graphic novel, penned by a former classmate of Dahmer, the film provides a disturbing yet compelling depiction of a killer’s genesis. Avoiding sensationalism common in true crime narratives, My Friend Dahmer concentrates on the psychological dimensions of Dahmer’s early life, earning critical praise for Lynch’s unsettling performance and the film’s disquieting ambiance.
BBC iPlayer Film Highlights
The Martian (2015)
Embark on a survival odyssey with The Martian. Presumed deceased after a Martian storm, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left behind. Utilizing his resourcefulness, he strives to survive alone on Mars as NASA and his crew devise a daring rescue mission. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film features a stellar ensemble cast including Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Donald Glover, and Benedict Wong. The Martian received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and secured Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor.
Shrek (2001)
Experience animated charm with Shrek, a celebrated film for all ages. This timeless story follows a green ogre on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon to reclaim his beloved swamp. His journey intertwines with fairytale icons such as a talking donkey, Puss in Boots, Pinocchio, princesses, and pirates. Shrek made history as the inaugural recipient of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002 and was enshrined in the National Film Registry in 2020, the first DreamWorks and non-Disney animated film to achieve this distinction.
Get Out (2017)
Witness Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, a psychological horror masterpiece. The film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), an African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, where he unearths unsettling truths. Masterfully interweaving social commentary with suspense, Get Out has been widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking narrative, earning accolades including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Red Joan (2018)
Inspired by actual events, Red Joan (2018) is a British drama starring Judi Dench as Joan Stanley, a retired physicist accused of providing confidential information to the Soviet Union during her youth. The film explores themes of allegiance, treachery, and the intricate morality of espionage. Sophie Cookson portrays a younger Joan in flashback sequences, depicting her engagement in wartime intelligence.
Channel 5 Movie Selection
Unknown
Engage with suspense in Unknown, starring Liam Neeson as Dr. Martin Harris. Awakening from a coma in Berlin, Dr. Harris confronts a baffling reality: his wife denies recognition, another man has assumed his identity, and shadowy figures pursue him. He must fight to reclaim his life, aided by an unexpected ally. The cast includes Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, and Sebastian Koch. Unknown achieved box office success, reaching number one in its opening theatrical week and accumulating a worldwide gross of $136.1 million.
ITVX Film Collection
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Cheer for dreams in Bend It Like Beckham, a 2002 sports comedy-drama featuring Parminder Nagra as Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra. Jess, a young woman from a traditional Indian family in London, aspires to professional football. Defying parental disapproval, she joins a local women’s team and develops a strong bond with teammate Jules (Keira Knightley). This film delves into cultural identity, familial expectations, and the pursuit of personal passions. Bend It Like Beckham garnered critical praise and became a global box office hit.
Transformers (2007)
Experience epic action with Transformers (2007), directed by Michael Bay. The film introduces the colossal conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons, warring factions of alien robots whose battleground becomes Earth. Shia LaBeouf stars as Sam Witwicky, a teenager caught amidst the chaos, and Megan Fox portrays Mikaela, his love interest. Renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects and explosive action, Transformers spawned a successful film franchise.
Limitless (2011)
Unlock potential with Limitless (2011), a thriller starring Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra, a struggling writer who discovers a mysterious pill that unlocks his brain’s full capacity, with unforeseen repercussions. Exploring themes of power, intellect, and addiction, the film co-stars Robert De Niro as a powerful businessman intrigued by Eddie’s enhanced abilities. Limitless was commended for its brisk pacing and captivating concept.
No Time To Die (2021) – Coming on April 6
Witness Daniel Craig’s final portrayal of James Bond in No Time To Die. Agent 007 is drawn from retirement for a final, high-stakes mission. Bond must confront Safin (Rami Malek), a perilous adversary armed with a lethal bioweapon. The film introduces Lashana Lynch as Nomi, the new 00 agent, and welcomes back fan-favorite characters including Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann, Ben Whishaw’s Q, and Christoph Waltz as Blofeld. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, No Time To Die delivers intense action, emotional depth, and a dramatic culmination to Craig’s Bond saga. The film earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Billie Eilish’s title track.
Freeview and Freely Channel and Player Access
Full list of channels & players you can access for free with Freeview and Freely:
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- 4
- 5
- STV Player
- S4C Clic
- WATCH FREE UK (AMC)
- PBS America
- GB News Catch-up
- QVC+
- U (UKTV)