Finest Television Selections: 7 Can't-Miss Movies This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
