Finest Small Screen Choices: 7 Can't-Miss Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
