Top Television Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Films In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
