Prime TV Choices: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
