Finest TV Choices: 7 Essential Movies In the Days Ahead
Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
