Top Small Screen Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere