Prime Small Screen Selections: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
