iPlayer

The movie is beloved by viewers and critics with a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes

A historical post-war film has been hailed as “one of the most beautiful movies ever made.” This film follows a young Irish woman who is torn between two worlds in the 1950s. Critics and audiences alike have praised its emotional precision and timeless appeal.

Boasting an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Brooklyn (2015) is the perfect weekend watch. It is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. However, viewers only have 19 days left to catch the film.

In the 1950s, young Irishwoman Eilis Lace (played by Saoirse Ronan) leaves her small hometown for a new life in Brooklyn, drawn by the promise of opportunity in America.

Though she initially struggles with homesickness, she gradually adapts. Eilis eventually falls in love in Brooklyn, and embraces her independence.

However, a sudden family emergency calls her back to Ireland, where she becomes entangled once again in the life she left behind.

Caught between her past and her future, Eilis must choose between two countries and the very different lives each offers.

Reviews

“In short, Brooklyn is one of the very best films of the past decade and worth looking back on,” wrote Dave Giannini for InSession Film.

Giving the film a five out of five, Don Shanahan from Film Obsessive shared: “Brooklyn is a forthright, approachable, and esteemed historical drama where the dignity and honesty soar to heavenly heights to shine on the plights of love and independence.”

Audience members also raved about this film. One said: “Beautiful story. One of the best movies. Moving.” Another added: “Beautiful classic in every sense of the word. Outstanding performances. Atmospheric joy. Don’t miss it.”

A third wrote: “It’s a masterpiece, and profoundly moving, especially if you’re an immigrant yourself. The closing is one of the most beautiful romantic scenes ever. In my opinion.”

Lastly, someone said: ” One of the most beautiful movies ever made. Colours, music, and reticence punctuate throughout. I have watched the scene in the dining room of the church 7,351,212 times.

“The man sings, the actress recognises brilliance amidst shuffles and anonymity, and then the director cuts to her chaperone listening to a radio. So god**** brilliant.”

You can now watch Brooklyn on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.

The Irish drama has already been compared to Line of Duty

The BBC have added new episodes of ‘television’s most stressful thriller ‘ to their iPlayer service as it prepares to return to our screens this weekend.

All episodes of Hidden Assets are now available to stream at no extra cost on the platform. This includes its recently released third season, which was previously only available via Acorn TV late last year.

Those who are caught up to the most recent chapter of Hidden Assets can settle down to the latest episodes as they air each Saturday on BBC Four at 9pm. Otherwise, the complete collection is already available to stream on iPlayer right now.

The series is actually a joint Irish-Belgian-Canadian production. It is developed and written by Peter McKenna who previously penned other hit crime dramas including Kin and Gangs of London.

Each season contains six episodes, meaning those who have yet to watch any of it have plenty to catch up on. However, it should be a quick binge watch with fans and critics claiming it does not take long for viewers to be hooked.

For those that have yet to see any of the series, the first season is set in present day Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, its Free Zone and airport, and the port of Antwerp, Belgium. The plot focuses on the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Belgian Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).

The second is also set between Antwerp and County Clare (Limerick, specifically). Meanwhile, the third series is set in Dublin and Bilbao where CAB joins forces with Ertzaintza detectives.

According to the synopsis, the narrative begins when evidence from a raid links a small-time drug dealer to a series of bombings in Belgium. This leads to Irish detective Emer Berry heading to Antwerp, where she’s confronted by Christian de Jong of the anti-terrorism squad. Together, they begin to untangle an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders.

While it hasn’t received enough professional reviews to warrant a score on Rotten Tomatoes, plenty sing its praises. The Guardian simply labelled it as ‘television’s most stressful thriller’ upon its return while one reviewer called it “a first-rate Irish crime drama series with Scandi-noir twists.”

Fans have been just as vocal for the series and recommending it to others. One posted online: “Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC’s Northern Irish attempt, ‘Blue Lights’.”

Another added: “Compelling drama. Well written , directed and acted. Could not wait to see next episode and good ending. Definitely recommend. As good as Line of Duty.”

While someone else claimed: “Ever since Love/Hate we’ve been waiting for a gripping Irish Crime series to come along and here it is.” And another commented: “Right away you get sucked into the storyline and get caught up in the action. The acting is first class from all. I’m already looking forward to the next episode.”

Hidden Assets airs Saturday at 9pm on BBC Four and is streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The three part series has recently been added to BBC iPlayer as true crime fans say it is ‘well worth a watch’

A “mind blowing” true crime documentary with a twist fans do not see coming, is now available to stream online for free.

The mini series, titled Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story, was first released on Disney Plus and Hulu back in 2022 as it follows the real life story of a seven year old boy who suddenly vanishes from his home in California.

Named Steven Stayner, he miraculously returns seven years later, sparking a media sensation, but where had he been? Spanning across three episodes, the documentary is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer as it has been dubbed the perfect watch for fans of true crime.

A BBC synopsis reads: “A story that captivated a nation – and destroyed a family. A boy missing for seven years miraculously returns home, but it wasn’t the Hollywood ending it seemed to be.”

The three-part series plunges viewers back to 1972 when the unusual kidnapping case first came to light. It then explores his return as well as the family being thrust back into media headlines decades later.

Featuring heartbreaking accounts from family members, including Steven’s daughter and mother, fans have also admitted they were not expecting the revelations made in the third episodes.

Viewers may also recognise a TV film titled I Know My Name is Steven, which was released in 1989, also exploring the same case.

The documentary has been branded a must watch for fans of the genre as one person said in a TikTok video: “It’s really good, well worth a watch.”

Another commented: “I watched the three episodes of Captive Audience last night and OMG I never dreamed of what was coming in episode 3.”

A third added: “I was fascinated watching Captive Audience. It was shocking and sad.”

In another video, recommending the documentary, one viewer said: “You will want to watch it because it is a mind blowing story.

“It’s a really fascinating documentary. If you haven’t watched it already, I would definitely recommend it.”

Another commented: “It’s absolutely mad, very sad as well.” A third echoed: “It’s a heartbreaking real life story from beginning to end.”

Over on Facebook, one user said: “A heartbreaking and chilling story about trauma, survival, and the long shadow of tragedy.”

An IMDB reviewer said: “This documentary is heart breaking and captivating. To learn what this kid went through and his own heroic act to save another child, is mind blowing.”

Another added: “I loved this story and the way it was told. It is not often in true crime that we get to see the family and friends and how their lives have been impacted by the crime.”

Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus.