A crime thriller featuring Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley has been hailed as ‘absolutely stunning’, and it’s screening tonight on Film 4.

Sexy Beast is helmed by Jonathan Glazer, starring Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane and Amanda Redman.

The story centres on former criminal Gal Dove (Ray Winstone), who has completed his prison sentence and is enjoying peaceful retirement at his Spanish villa with his beloved wife.

His tranquil life is disrupted when his adversary Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) arrives, determined to convince Gal to return to London for one final major heist.

Reluctant to abandon his perfect lifestyle, Gal becomes embroiled in an intense psychological confrontation with Logan, ultimately participating in a spectacular underwater robbery whilst risking everything for the woman he cherishes.

An enthusiastic review on Rotten Tomatoes said: “A well received movie when it came out- watching in 2025= still great. I strongly suggest you subtitle it or you’ll miss most of the dialogue EVEN if you’re British. They don’t annunciate very well and deliver the lines with a spitfire rapidity. Great acting, great story, an must addition to your library.”

Another viewer added: “Kingsley is terrifying in this movie, an absolutely stunning performance.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/brilliant-gangster-movie-greatest-ever-36431185″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

A third praised: “Intense, fantastic film with absolute powerhouse acting from everyone, but Kingsley of course steals the show at times,” Meanwhile, another reviewer declared: “One of, if not the best movie of 2001. A crime drama that is beautifully shot and exceptionally well written.

“Led by Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Don Logan, one of the scariest characters ever seen on the big screen. A movie that ever in it’s quiet moments is filled with fear.

“A beautiful film. Thrilling, poetic, funny and original in story and execution. The lead performances are flawless. Ben Kingsley’s Don Logan is surely in the running for the greatest character in the history of cinema,” said another.

Another review urged audiences to tune in, saying: “Powered by one of the greatest villain portrayals in cinema history, Sexy Beast is tense, tight and a screamingly short 88 minutes . It’s also magnificent looking. The best British Gangster movie since The Long Good Friday. Sexy Beast is a movie too unique for duplication. There are plenty of terrible Brit Gangster films – give this mini master a look.

“I missed this when it came out. Since then I have watched it three times! Ben Kingsley puts in a brilliant performance as one of the most loathsome sociopaths ever created. The denouement is possibly one of the most satisfying I’ve ever seen,” said another.

Another glowing review said: “Darkly funny, aggressive verbal abuse like an angry machine gun, but the performances are the winner in this film. All the cast are superb.”

Sexy Beat will air on Film 4 at 11.20pm on Tuesday 23 December.