Top TV Selections: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens β as the unseen entity β tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities β one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, RegΓ©-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere