'Gritty' thriller dubbed a 'masterpiece throughout the ages' streaming for free

An "intoxicating" thriller hailed as a "masterpiece" and a "true classic" will soon be available for free streaming.

The Silence of the Lambs, released in 1991, continues to captivate audiences despite its age. The film stars two-time Academy Award winners Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins and follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling who is tasked with aiding in the hunt for a serial killer.

She enlists the assistance of Dr Hannibal Lecter, the cannibal, who is incarcerated in a high-security hospital. Dr Hannibal Lecter, a character conceived by American author Thomas Harris, has appeared in the 1986 film Manhunter, but his portrayal in The Silence of the Lambs is arguably the most renowned adaptation.

Both Hopkins and Foster received Oscar awards for their performances, with Hopkins winning the Best Leading Actor award and Foster securing the Best Leading Actress accolade at the 1992 ceremony. The film also won the prestigious Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay awards.

The film continues to resonate with audiences, many of whom describe it as a "masterpiece" and a "timeless classic". This popular choice will be available to stream on BBC Two on Sunday evening (August 17), as well as on BBC iPlayer, reports the Mirror.

The film is also currently available for purchase on Prime Video. The synopsis reads: "FBI trainee Clarice Starling, enticing insights from confined killer Hannibal Lecter, shares her nightmare memory in the hope of stopping a serial killer before his latest victim dies. Multi-award-winning thriller."

Boasting an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer hailed it as: "A complete masterpiece throughout the ages."

Another remarked: "Definitely a classic. The film set new standards and is still very suspenseful and creepy even by today's standards."

A third chimed in: "One of the best movies of the 1990s if not all time. incredible story, amazing actors and a master class in film making."

A fourth echoed: "The Silence of the Lambs is an outstanding five-star thriller that completely pulled me in. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster deliver unforgettable performances, making every scene intense and gripping.

"The psychological tension, unsettling atmosphere, and smart storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a masterful film that left a lasting impression on me."

Another fan praised: "Gritty, disgusting and suspenseful, it gets deep under your skin and makes you gag even after three decades. The undoubted highlight being Anthony Hopkins' performance."

Paul McKie, writing for the Winnipeg Free Press, described it as: "The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most intoxicating and absorbing thrillers ever made."

The film, directed by Jonathan Demme, also features performances from Scott Glen, Ted Levine and Anthony Heald.

The Silence of the Lambs will be available to watch on BBC Two at 10pm on Sunday, August 17 before arriving on BBC iPlayer.