Top TV Choices: 7 Must-Watch Films This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
