Prime TV Picks: 7 Essential Films This Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
