Finest Television Choices: Seven Essential Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears 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. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
