Finest Small Screen Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? 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
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
