Top Television Choices: 7 Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
