Prime Small Screen Selections: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Coming Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
