Prime Small Screen Choices: 7 Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the children anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
