Prime Television Picks: Seven Must-Watch Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
