Top Television Selections: 7 Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
