Top Small Screen Picks: 7 Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
