Prime Television Picks: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
