Must see: An “absorbing” ’30s-set drama with “near-faultless” stacked British cast is on TV tonight

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Tonight, you can catch “Atonement,” a highly regarded drama from the 1930s featuring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, on television.

2007’s movie, sharing the title with Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel, showcases the characters of Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner, who are in love. However, their relationship is disrupted by the Second World War and a harmful deception perpetrated by her younger sister Briony (played by Saoirse Ronan). This narrative explores the destructive consequences of lies and war on their romantic bond.

Under the direction of Joe Wright, this film is an adaptation by playwright Christopher Hampton and features a prominent ensemble of British actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Brenda Blethyn, Daniel Mays, Vanessa Redgrave, and Gina McKee, who lend their talents in secondary roles.

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More than 20 years after its initial debut, the timeless period drama “Atonement” returns to your screens tonight at 11pm on BBC Two. If you can’t watch it then, don’t worry – it will be available on BBC iPlayer later.

Upon its premiere, the movie garnered praise from critics, earning two British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), among which was the Best Film category. It also received seven nominations for the prestigious Academy Award. Its Rotten Tomatoes rating, based on 217 reviews, stands at an impressive 83%.

The Austin Chronicle remarks that imagination is often beneficial for children, but too much of it can lead to tragedy in this compelling adaptation of Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel. On the other hand, New York Magazine finds it captivating and evocative.

Empire Magazine highly commended the filmmaking of Wright, noting his “confident guidance,” the “almost flawless acting” by the actors, and the “stunning visuals.” They also pointed out that it was a “complicated” and “heart-wrenching” production.

The Guardian remarked that the picture was smart, driven by ambition, and full of compassion. It deemed it a triumph for both Joe Wright and Keira Knightley as well as James McAvoy. The film, they believed, tackles significant themes and caters to mature audiences.

The review from Rolling Stone describes Atonement as a near-perfect blend of writing, direction, and acting that immerses you in a powerful mix of humor, heartache, and captivating romance, sweeping you away like ocean waves. Meanwhile, BBC.com described the film as intensely engaging or hard to turn away from, much like being riveted to your seat.

In the upcoming hours, “Atonement” can be watched on terrestrial TV and streaming platforms, while actress Keira Knightley will soon captivate viewers with a completely different image as she stars in “The Woman in Cabin 10,” an edge-of-your-seat thriller slated for release on Netflix in October.

Atonement is airing on BBC Two at 11pm before being added to BBC iPlayer.

The latest print issue from Digital Spy is available now! You can pick up the “Oasis – Live in ’25” magazine at your local newsstand or purchase it online. It’s now priced affordably at £8.99.

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2025-08-29 09:19