Prime Small Screen Selections: 7 Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
