Hamnet
The much-hyped film of Maggie O’Farrell’s brilliant 2020 novel deserves all the hype and awards it is getting. Beautifully acted and directed, it is thought-provoking and it is heart-wrenching. Some parts are so painful you aren’t sure if you can keep watching. But you will. In cinemas now.
The Housemaid
This stylish psychological thriller, set in upstate New York and starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, is busily delighting fans of the wildly popular Frieda McFadden novel on which it is based. It may not be the most profound thing you watch all year, but The Guardian says it has ‘terrific gusto’. In cinemas now.
Wuthering Heights
Whether you have never read the book, are an ardent fan or loathe every page, it should be compulsory to watch Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Her fresh, cool, controversial take (that is “loosely based” on the book) stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi and Charlie XCX has written the soundtrack. It is a movie for our times. In cinemas on 13 February.
Pride & Prejudice
Dolly Alderton is nothing if not brave for she has written the latest TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved blockbuster. Starring Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy, Alderton’s six-parter for Netflix aims for a faithful, witty take on love and society in Regency England. Release date to be announced.
People We Meet On Vacation
This romantic comedy, currently on Netflix, is the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s best-selling novel of the same name. Following long-time pals Poppy and Alex as they travel together, develop their friendship, misread a few signals and finally fall in love, it is the ideal way to ignore January. On Netflix now.
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
This charming three-parter may not have been made for children, but it is the perfect thing to watch with yours. Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman and Mia McKenna-Bruce, it has cosy but slick Enola Holmes vibes. Don’t read reviews, just light the fire and plunge in for yourself. On Netflix now.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
Critics are hailing this Game of Thrones prequel – based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas – for its lighter tone. It is basically Game of Thrones but with more jokes, fewer dragons and a big heart. Out now on Sky.
Scarpetta
Fans of Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta novels should clear their diaries in March for Prime Video’s TV adaptation of the best-selling crime series. Starring Nicole Kidman as the beautiful forensic pathologist who unravels the most complex of murders, the eight episodes will fly by in a flash. Out on Prime Video in March.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is a mega treat and as such you will have to wait until Christmas for it to hit Netflix. Starring Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan, this adaptation of the sixth published but chronologically first of CS Lewis’s beloved Narnia tales will make the perfect festive viewing. On Netflix in late 2026.
