Prime Small Screen Choices: 7 Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
