Top Small Screen Picks: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
