Top Small Screen Choices: Seven Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
