Prime Television Selections: 7 Essential Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
