Top Television Selections: 7 Must-Watch Films In the Days Ahead
Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere