A-list star's 'unforgettable' horror film on BBC tonight

In the spirit of Halloween, why not snuggle up on the settee this evening and enjoy a 70s classic film brimming with suspense, featuring an all-star cast and a spine-chilling plot?

Don't Look Now is a gripping thriller from 1973, based on a tale by renowned British author Daphne du Maurier. Even decades after its release the film continues to "lingers" in the minds of viewers.

Its eerie storyline delves into the psychology of bereavement and the impact of a child's death on a relationship, making pioneering stylistic decisions along the way. Starring Julie Christie and Hollywood icon Donald Sutherland as married couple Laura and John Baxter, the film tracks their journey to Venice.

The trip was meant to be a respite following the tragic accidental death of their daughter, and John takes on a project to restore a church there. During their stay, they encounter two sisters, one of whom professes to have psychic abilities and informs them that their deceased daughter is attempting to communicate with them.

She insists their departed child is trying to alert them to danger. While John is quick to dismiss these outrageous claims, he begins to witness inexplicable visions himself.

The film is packed with distinctive stylistic choices, from the editing to the flashback scenes, and even caused a stir with a rather risque sex scene for its era. The scene sparked considerable debate, with widespread speculation that the two leading performers weren't merely acting during intimate scenes but genuinely engaging in sexual activity.

Whilst the film's cast and production team refuted such allegations, the remarkably authentic and graphic content remained a topic of conversation for many years afterwards. The movie's reputation has flourished over the decades, garnering far greater appreciation than it initially received during its 1970s debut.

Today, it's regarded as a masterpiece that has shaped countless subsequent works within both the horror category and British cinema as a whole - courtesy of Nicolas Roeg's masterful direction. One Rotten Tomatoes critique describes the picture as a "haunting, dreamlike descent into grief and illusion."

The reviewer wrote: "Every frame feels drenched in sorrow and unease - Venice becomes a ghost itself, echoing the loss that haunts the characters.

"I loved how the film blends mystery, tragedy, and the supernatural without ever fully revealing its hand. That ending still lingers - chilling, poetic, and unforgettable." Another viewer commented: "The final twist is wild."

Those seeking spine-tingling entertainment this Halloween can tune into BBC2 at 11:40pm tonight to watch Don't Look Now broadcast live.

Alternatively, if you're unable to reach your television in time, the 1970s thriller is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.