The best films to see in January: Brexit on film and a Dr Who Special

 

Brexit: The Uncivil War, Channel 4, January

This two-hour feature film about the 2016 EU referendum is based on two accounts from both sides: that of Craig Oliver, David Cameron’s former director of communications, and Vote Leave campaign director Dominic Cummings, who have both detailed their tactics and tribulations in the run-up to the Brexit vote. Eschewing his Sherlock deerstalker for a sweat-drenched receding hairline, Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Cummings (below); Rory Kinnear plays Oliver. It’s a dramatic and darkly comedic production.

The Long Song, BBC iPlayer

The BBC’s three-part adaptation of The Long Song—Andrea Levy’s Booker-shortlisted novel—will hit screens on 18th December. Set in colonial Jamaica during the final years of slavery, the series follows July (Tamara Lawrance), a young girl who is taken from her family to live under a mistress, Caroline (Hayley Atwell). As July grows up, she struggles to establish her identity in a climate of oppression—and succeeds, just before her life is thrown into chaos. Sharp, smart and fiercely self-assured, July is a brilliant heroine.

Dr Who Special, BBC One, New Year’s Day

Jodie Whittaker’s turn as the Doctor has breathed new life into the programme. The first episode of the new series drew in 8.2m viewers—the biggest viewing figures for 10 years. It’s not hard to see why. Whittaker is breezy and understated, while maintaining the eccentricity of the former incarnations. Also endearing is her new sidekick Ryan (Tosin Cole), who as a dyspraxic, struggles with his memory, riding a bike and being taken seriously.