Prime Small Screen Selections: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment called this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
