Finest Small Screen Selections: Seven Essential Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema