Death And Nightingales

The Martian Film4, 9pm, Tuesday

Adapted from the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, Ridley Scott’s film is a riveting survival thriller set 140 million miles from home, which bears obvious similarities to the Oscar-winning Gravity in both set-up and execution.

Matt Damon stars as botanist Mark Watney, who is left stranded on Mars.

The Other Boleyn Girl Film4, 6.35pm, Wednesday

The court of Henry VIII is a dangerous and seductive place – as Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) discovers when she catches the monarch’s eye.

Sumptuous costumes and lush cinematography bring the Tudor court to life.

BBC2, 9pm, Wednesday

We’re used to period dramas with an epic feel, telling sweeping tales encompassing years of their characters’ lives. Death And Nightingales is, however, somewhat different.

It’s set in the past – 1885, to be exact – but its events take place all in one 24-hour period in the life of Beth Winters, a young Irishwoman from Fermanagh.

Her life has always been dominated by her Protestant stepfather Billy, who seeks to control every aspect of her life. So, on her 23rd birthday, and with her mother long dead, Beth decides to assert herself by running away with the charming but mysterious Liam Ward. But as the hour of their departure ticks ever closer, can she go through with her plan?

Ann Skelly, Matthew Rhys and Jamie Dornan play the trio.

Star Trek Into Darkness Film4, 9pm, Wednesday

Starfleet is rocked by a terrorist attack in London masterminded by the mysterious John Harrison.

Phasers are set to stunningly nostalgic as the bonds of trust between gung-ho Kirk (Chris Pine) and human-Vulcan Spock (Zachary Quinto) are tested to the limit.

Now You See Me Film4, 6.45pm, Thursday

A high-stakes game of cat and mouse between four thieving illusionists and law-enforcement.

Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco relish the sniping banter between their characters, who always seem to be one step ahead of the authorities.