Finest TV Selections: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
