Top TV Choices: Seven Essential Motion Pictures This Week
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere