Finest TV Picks: Seven Essential Movies This Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
