'Intoxicating' thriller dubbed a 'true classic of the genre' streaming for free

An "intoxicating" thriller that has been dubbed a "masterpiece" and a "true classic" willbe available to stream for free.

The Silence of the Lambs was released in 1991 and despite its older release, remains a popular choice with fans. Starring two time Academy Award winners Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, the film follows FBI student Clarice Starling who is assigned to help on the search of a serial killer.

She soon seeks the help of Dr Hannibal Lecter *the cannibal* who is held in a maximum security hospital. Dr Hannibal Lecter is a character created by American author Thomas Harris and has featured in the 1986 film Manhunter, but his appearance in The Silence of the Lambs is arguably the most famous adaptation.

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Both Hopkins and Foster bagged Oscar awards for their performances, with Hopkins scooping the Best Leading Actor award and Foster clinching the Best Leading Actress accolade at the 1992 ceremony. It also nabbed the coveted Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay awards.

And the film remains a hit with fans with many describing it as a "masterpiece" and a timeless classic". The popular choice will be available to stream on BBC Two on Sunday evening (August 17), as well as BBC iPlayer.

It is currently available to buy on prime Video. A 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."

With an impressive score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, one person said: "A complete masterpiece throughout the ages." Another commented: "Definitely a classic. The film set new standards and is still very suspenseful and creepy even by today's standards."

A third wrote: "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 replied: "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 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."

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

Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film also stars Scott Glen as well as 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.