Prime Small Screen Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere