Prime Small Screen Selections: Seven Must-Watch Films This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
