Finest Small Screen Choices: Seven Essential Films This Coming Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema