Prime TV Choices: Seven Essential Motion Pictures In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
