Top TV Picks: 7 Essential Films In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
