Film choice

The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (2022) Netflix

Using a tried-and-tested formula which involves a combination of archive footage and hitherto unseen interviews with friends of the star, this new documentary from film-maker Emma Cooper addresses the many conspiracies and salacious rumours surrounding the life and death of one of last century’s most mythologised stars. What more is there to learn?

Silverton Siege (2022) Netflix

This tense thriller from South African director Mandlakayise Walter Dube is based on the true story of three anti-apartheid militants in 1980 who, after a failed sabotage mission, made their last stand inside a bank in Silverton, Pretoria, resulting in a gruelling six-hour hostage situation. As the police scrambled, the trio offered a price for their hostages’ release – freedom for Nelson Mandela.

Downton Abbey (2019) ITV3, 8pm ★★★

This big-screen version of the beloved costume-drama is a lavish, two-hour reunion. Out in the green Yorkshire countryside the huge hereditary pile of the Crawley family squats as it ever did, but now it’s 1927 and things have changed. Julian Fellowes cooks up a royal visit, but it’s pleasantly dull. Still, this is a welcome opportunity to brush up on the story before Downton Abbey: A New Era hits cinemas this Friday.