Finest Small Screen Choices: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
