CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews The Veil on Ch4: Homeland fans won't want to miss this clever and compelling spy drama
TV schedules are like lumpy porridge. Sometimes, you dig in and get plenty to chew on. At other times, it can be pretty thin gruel.
A packed Sunday night saw the launch of new serials on BBC1, ITV and Channel 4. By Tuesday, we had nothing to pick from but women's football, the Sewing Bee, a Repair Shop rerun and the tail end of various dramas.
But that's what catch-up services are for. When there's nothing on, you always have something else to watch.
I confess I skipped Elisabeth Moss 's new thriller The Veil at the weekend. Ch4 has only just finished showing the final series of her dystopian fantasy The Handmaid's Tale, which long ago collapsed into nonsensical, repetitive hysteria.
Still, The Veil is written by Peaky Blinders ' creator Steven Knight, and all six episodes are now available to stream at Channel 4 online, so I thought I'd give it a go. What an excellent decision that was.
Knight's stories are usually convoluted, multi-character pieces of theatre, but this is different — practically a two-hander between Moss and her co-star, Yumna Marwan.
Marwan plays Adilah, a Frenchwoman in a snowbound refugee camp run by the United Nations in Syria, where almost everyone is female because Isis fighters massacred all their menfolk.
The other women suspect her of being an Isis commander herself. Given half a chance, they'll lynch her or stab her to death - and since the slimy UN aid co-ordinator is fully occupied with coercing hungry refugees into having sex with him, Adilah is left literally fighting to survive.
Moss is the British secret agent, codenamed 'Imogen', sent to extract her and bring her to the West, where French and American security services suspect she is involved in masterminding a terror attack. Adilah insists she's a genuine refugee, and that's the real question at the core of this thriller: who is she?
And who is 'Imogen'? Multi-lingual, handy in a knife fight, a natural liar, she also appears to be an idealist.
When she learns Adilah has abandoned a 12-year-old daughter back in France, Imogen looks angry enough for a moment to strangle her with her bare hands.
Blackout of the week:
The Our Lives documentary Guardian Of The Night (BBC1) urged us to protect starry skies from light pollution.
The Beeb must think it is being helpful by filming dramas such as The Narrow Road To The Deep North in near-total darkness.
'A mother should never have to lose her child,' she fumes - but she denies having children herself.
The obvious comparison is with Killing Eve, another clever and emotionally compelling spy drama about the relationship between a British woman agent and a female terrorist.
But the shifting layers of psychological mystery and the pervading sense of Western values under attack make this perfect fare for anyone who loved the first few seasons of Homeland, the 2012 thriller starring Damian Lewis as a suspected Al Qaeda double agent and Claire Danes as the CIA agent intent on exposing him.
Plus, The Veil has Elisabeth Moss doing a hoity Kensington accent and smiling brightly a lot.
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Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
David Beckham is every inch the doting dad as he joins daughter Harper and chic wife Victoria for their annual summer break on £16M yacht in St Tropez - with son Brooklyn noticeably absent amid family feud
David Beckham and his wife Victoria have brushed off the furore surrounding their feud with son Brooklyn, as they enjoyed their annual summer yacht getaway. The family has been thrown into turmoil in recent months, amid claims Brooklyn has become increasingly estranged from his famous parents after failing to attend any of his father David's 50th birthday celebrations in May. Soaking up the sunshine on their £16 million vessel, David and Victoria were seen making the most of the picturesque French weather off the coast of St Tropez. Every the doting dad, David embraced his daughter Harper, 14, as they boarded a speedboat to take them to the shore. While her second son Romeo enjoyed jet ski ride in the sunshine, Victoria opted for a spot of downtime on the yacht, before changing into a chic yellow satin dress and a matching hat for the outing. The couple traded in their £5million yacht for the much bigger vessel last year, and had been pictured on it sailing around Miami. The impressive looking vessel, understood to be worth £16million, was a significant upgrade on the comparatively modest 100-foot yacht reportedly purchased by Beckham in 2022. The football legend was said to have 'treated himself' to his original vessel in 2022 after being inspired by his maritime jaunts with close friends Sir Elton John and David Furnish - who often holiday at sea. A source told The Sun at the time: 'David had a look around some yachts in the summer, and decided to treat himself. He helped design the boat himself, and has been incredibly hands-on with everything. 'It's not an oligarch-style super-yacht, but it's still pretty plush by anyone's standards. He was inspired after holidaying with Elton and David on their boat - and loves life on the water. 'There will be an area for the kids to snorkel, and the boat will be a brilliant base for the whole Beckham clan to have magical holidays abroad.' And while his famous parents were little more than a few hours flight away, Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz shared loved-up Instagram snaps back in the UK. The husband and wife have jetted into the country for the weekend and appear to be enjoying downtime away from the city. David and Victoria have reportedly become resigned to the fact that they have become estranged from their beloved son after he failed to attend any of the football ace's 50th birthday celebrations last month. Every the doting dad, David embraced his daughter Harper, 14, as they boarded a speedboat to take them to the shore David put on a sweet display with his eldest daughter Harper, who toted her belongings in a Goyard Saint Louis bag The couple traded in their £5million yacht for the much bigger vessel last year, and had been pictured on it sailing around Miami The football legend was said to have 'treated himself' to his original vessel in 2022 after being inspired by his maritime jaunts with close friends Sir Elton John and David Furnish He also didn't wish either his mum Victoria or dad David a happy birthday on social media - an unusual move for the Beckhams, who are known for their loving posts. This is in stark contrast to a post Brooklyn shared last week for his father-in-law and wrote on a picture of himself and Nicola with the billionaire: 'Happy birthday Nelson x We love you.' It was previously revealed that Brooklyn and Nicola's Instagram accounts no longer follow his younger brothers Cruz and Romeo in the latest family drama. However, Brooklyn's friends told MailOnline on Friday that Cruz and Romeo have actually blocked them on the social media platform. This would make sense given that Brooklyn and Nicola are still following Victoria and David. Cruz and Romeo were still following Brooklyn and Nicola earlier this month but appeared to take action after Brooklyn posted a birthday tribute to sister Harper, sharing a family photo without them in it – which Nicola reposted. There was much speculation whether Brooklyn would reach out to Harper on her 14th birthday, but despite him doing so, it seems all is not well in the camp. Brooklyn's birthday tribute to Harper marked his first public interaction with his family since he paid tribute to his grandmother Sandra on June 26, despite remaining silent and shunning his father's 50th birthday earlier that same month. Sources close to the family have told MailOnline of their fears that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola have also distanced themselves from Harper after they failed to visit her when they flew into London in May to film an advert for French-Italian clothing brand Moncler just over a mile from the family home in Holland Park. David and Victoria had no idea whether Brooklyn, who Harper has idolised since she was a little girl, would message her privately or publicly on Instagram because they have no communication with him. It comes as tensions have continued to bubble in the past few weeks with a series of digs and jibes from camp Nicola and Brooklyn. Aspiring chef Brooklyn shared a cooking video accompanied by a song which referred to not feeling like he has the confidence to speak up and finally feeling empowered - in a seemingly subtle but defiant message. And on the same day Nicola made a bizarre nod to father-in-law David as she sported a replica pair of the iconic football shorts he wore for his England debut in the 90s while out on her family's superyacht. She was also keen to flaunt her close family bonds during the holiday to St Tropez as she shared gushing Instagram posts about her brothers on Monday. Nicola continued to publicly praise and share admiration for her billionaire family on social media amid her husband's family feud. The actress took to Instagram to share a series of photographs in which she gushed over her billionaire father Nelson Peltz and joked that her Labubu dolls were her family. That came after she and Brooklyn shared photographs of themselves on social media attending Nelson's family birthday celebrations - painfully echoing the very similar celebrations they chose to snub for David's own recent birthday. And amid the escalating feud last week Romeo stepped in as he shared a very pointed statement about 'appreciating people that love you' and insisted 'life was too short' to not tell people you care about them. While Nicola revels in her happy life with her family, Brooklyn risks ruining his 'close bond' with sister Harper by overshadowing her birthday. Friends of the Beckhams predicted that it will be a 'huge moment' in the feud, which escalated when the couple didn't attend any of David's 50th celebrations which took place between the end of March and the beginning of May. One source said: 'Brooklyn and Harper used to be inseparable. He adored her, he hopefully still does, but the problem is that Brooklyn has a track record for ignoring family birthdays now. 'It would be devastating for Harper not to hear from him. She hasn't done anything and she's only 13-years-old, she is the innocent party here. 'Harper's birthday has always been such a happy day, she's the adored little daughter so it's always so joyous but this is a tough situation. 'Brooklyn was 12 when Harper was born, he was so important in her life and it must be terribly sad that she isn't seeing him since the fall out with David and Victoria happened. 'David and Victoria very much blame Nicola for all of this but hopefully Brooklyn will see sense. 'While Harper doesn't have her own Instagram yet, the family thing is to tag her in on their posts as #harperseven.' At the start of her relationship with Brooklyn, Nicola seemed to forge a strong bond with Harper. The actress soon positioned herself as a 'big sister' figure to the little girl, who is aid to have 'adored' her. But now the couple, who married in April 2022 at her family's £76million Florida mansion, no longer speak to Sir David and Lady Beckham, with the couple believing that she controls Brooklyn. Posh and Becks were furious when the couple didn't contact Harper when they visited London just weeks after David's birthday. At the time they were also cross that they didn't get in touch with Cruz, 19, either because at that point he and Brooklyn had never had a crossed word. Since then the singer has very much come out on his parents' side amid the rift. Despite ignoring his father's birthday and his mum Victoria's two weeks before in April, Brooklyn did take to Instagram to wish the footballer's mum Sandra a happy birthday two weeks ago. However, Victoria was devastated when he didn't do the same for her father Tony back in May. Last week, Nicola addressed speculation that she was 'controlling' Brooklyn after posting snaps with her family and Brooklyn celebrating her father Nelson's 83rd birthday on the European getaway. The celebratory photos were the latest blow for David and Victoria, after Brooklyn snubbed his own dad's 50th birthday - with many flooding the comment section to accuse Nicola of being to blame. Yet she hit back by 'liking' a fan's comment that suggested Brooklyn had made his own decision. The comment read: 'The fact people are in this comment section talking bs about someone controlling a GROWN man is absurd. The guy is an adult and can make his own decisions, leave them be and stop blaming women for everything.' Amid his escalating feud with his family, the pair failed to publicly acknowledge David's milestone 50th birthday on May 8. David and Victoria's 26th wedding anniversary also passed without mention, despite the former Manchester United and England footballer referencing Brooklyn in his own post. David previously thanked wife Victoria for their 'beautiful children' as the couple both acknowledged estranged son Brooklyn while celebrating their wedding anniversary on July 4. The former footballer who also shares sons Romeo, 20, and Cruz, 22 with the ex Spice Girl shared a series of throwback snaps of the family in happier times. Declaring his love for Victoria, who he referred to as Lady Beckham following his Knighthood, he wrote: '26 years today you said YES to me Happy Anniversary and thank you for giving me our beautiful children and building the life that we have together.' He went on to tag his children including estranged son Brooklyn. Victoria, 51, also tagged her eldest son, captioning her post: 'Another year, another chapter in our love story. 'I'm so proud of the beautiful family and life we've built together. You and our four incredible children complete me. I love you so much @davidbeckham. Here's to 26 years!!' Despite the apparent olive branch, insiders believe Brooklyn will not be in attendance when Harper turns 14. Rumours of a rift between the eldest son and his parents began when Brooklyn was noticeably silent on his former Spice Girl mother's birthday, a far cry from his usual sweet posts about her. Neither the former photographer nor his wife wished Victoria a happy 51st, while David, Romeo and Cruz posted gushing messages. And as well as snubbing dad David's birthday online, he also was notably absent from all of his 50th birthday celebrations - including a boys' fishing trip. Despite flying to London at the time, Brooklyn and Nicola also didn't attend the big family party at the Beckhams' Cotswolds home or an idyllic trip to France or a meal at Notting Hill restaurant, Core. Brooklyn reportedly 'told his famous family that he wants no contact' with them last month in the latest devastating turn of their ongoing feud. According to reports, the eldest Beckham boy has had no communication with his family following father David's knighthood being announced, and only learned of the news in the media alongside the rest of the world. Denying he'd asked for no contact, a source close to Brooklyn told the publication: 'Everyone's focus should be David Beckham 's great honour'. Meanwhile a source close to Brooklyn also denied the claims as they told MailOnline, 'this seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honor being bestowed on Brooklyn's father.'
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Paris' hotspot hell: Locals fear chic neighbourhood is turning into 'Disneyland' as streets overrun with tourists, gas-guzzling buses and huge queues at every patisserie
With its cobbled streets, bohemian cafés and sweeping views over Paris, Montmartre boasts an incomparable charm that attracts millions of tourists every year. The hilltop Parisien neighbourhood is steeped in rich artistic history, but today it is one of the many pockets of Europe facing an unprecedented number of visitors. Many of the 27,000 residents are now at breaking point, unable to cope with their once-scenic streets being transformed into a sea of crowds thanks in part to influencers romanticising the district on TikTok and Instagram. Last year, the imposing Sacré-Coeur - a white-domed basilica in the heart of Montmartre - was the most visited monument in France, ahead of the Eiffel Tower, with 11 million tourists. With tourists now outnumbering residents 423 to one, Montmartre now has an even denser tourist zone per capita than Venice. The Parisien district is the latest hotspot to face a growing wave of anti-tourism sentiment, with locals becoming increasingly frustrated by selfie-hunting holidaymakers bringing chaos to their doorsteps. A string of anti-tourism protests have taken place across Spanish islands, while tourists themselves are even getting fed up. In Rome, where tourists have been crammed shoulder-to-shoulder this summer, one visitor said it was like being 'part of one big sweaty herd'. Now the peace has been shattered in Montmartre, with locals warning their home has been transformed into an 'amusement park'. Michèle Barrière, who has lived around the corner from the Moulin Rouge for three decades, told The Telegraph: 'Enough is enough.'Montmartre has become an amusement park, and we are the attractions. Soon they'll be throwing us peanuts. 'It's Disneyland.' She added: 'It has got totally out of hand. I have nothing against tourists per se, but now my prevailing feeling is one of hostility. Sometimes I can't even reach my front door due to these hordes.' Another resident, Eric Durand, said the end of the Covid lockdowns coupled with Paris hosting the Olympic Games last summer has brought a huge influx of tourists. Locals say Montmartre first became a tourist hotspot after the 2001 cult movie Amelie, with visitors flocking in their droves to film locations including the Café des Deux Moulins. Netflix hit Emily in Paris has brought a fresh wave of tourists who love to visit La Maison Rose restaurant or the Wall of Love. Last year, the Paris Olympics brought the road bike race to Montmartre - and today, the final stage of the Tour De France will make a detour via the chic neighbourhood for the first time ever. Julien Ogeard, a manager of a Montmartre restaurant, told The Telegraph the area is 'losing its soul' and that he is considering moving out, adding: 'I'm not the only one.' @pamelachelsea29 Went to Montmartre today because I just wanted to see what's around, and there was just too much of a crowd 🥲 I never liked being around big crowds and will always find an escape where I can relax and enjoy my time. Like this garden 🪴 Even though there were a few people but it's not as bad as the ones in front of the Sacré-cœur ✨ PLUS on the way up I already witnessed a couple of people being scammed and forced to wear the 'friendship' bracelets 👀 So please be very aware of your surroundings and never let any of these scammers trick you to wear these bracelets 😬 #montmartre #montmatreparis #sacrecoeur #paris #parisfrance #photospots #bestspot ♬ Lil Boo Thang - Paul Russell Adding to the anger is the recent introduction of new traffic restrictions, that many fear could drive small businesses out. Families are also leaving in their droves, driven away by rocketing house prices and tourist rentals. Between 20 and 30 per cent of properties are Airbnb listings, according to estate agents. Locals have also hit out at gas-guzzling tourist sidecars and Citroen 2CVs racing down cobbled streets. In recent months, fed-up residents have voiced their frustration by unfurling banners with messages in their windows. They included 'Forgotten residents', Let the Montmartrois live' and 'Behind these facades there are people'.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Rita Ora flashes her legs in leather hot pants as she enjoys a stroll with husband Taika Waititi in St Tropez
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