Finest Television Selections: 7 Essential Films This Coming Week
Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
