Finest Small Screen Picks: 7 Essential Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
