Prime Television Choices: 7 Essential Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
