Tom Hardy’s phenomenal spy thriller movie is on TV tonight

Based on a classic novel, the film boasts an all-star cast, including Tom Hardy and Irish acting legend Ciarán Hinds.

Set in 1970s England, the film sees the head of MI6, Control (John Hurt), dispatch an agent (Mark Strong) to meet with a Hungarian general who knows the identity of a Soviet spy in the organisation's ranks. The mission goes wrong, however, and the general dies before he can reveal the information.

As such, veteran agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is called back from forced retirement. This is to ferret out the mole and stop the flow of vital British secrets to the Russians.

Also co-starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Firth, Kathy Burke, Stephen Graham, Toby Jones and Tom Hardy, the movie was directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In).

Watch the trailer for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy right here:

Boasting a flawless cast, a compellingly dense and intricate plot and an atmosphere so chilly and sinister it practically seeps into viewers' bones, the film is easily one of the best spy thrillers of the 21st century and perhaps ever.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is airing on TV tonight on BBC Four at 9.55pm. It's also available to rent on Apple TV, Rakuten TV, and the Sky Store.

Here are the other movies on TV tonight (Thursday, 12 November)

For more recommendations like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, check out this JOE list of all the movies on TV for each night of the week.