Top Small Screen Picks: 7 Must-Watch Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea 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
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
