Finest Television Selections: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering international wars to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
