Prime Television Choices: 7 Essential Films This Week
Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
