Top Small Screen Choices: 7 Can't-Miss Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
