Top Small Screen Selections: 7 Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
