Prime TV Choices: Seven Essential Movies This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
