Prime Small Screen Selections: 7 Must-Watch Movies This Week
Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
