Finest Television Selections: Seven Essential Movies This Week
Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
