Top Small Screen Picks: 7 Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
