Prime Small Screen Selections: Seven Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
