Finest Television Picks: 7 Essential Films In the Days Ahead

Top Selection

The Substance

Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+

The Woman in Cabin 10

This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform

Presence

The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4

The Black Phone Horror

Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel

This Espionage Thriller

The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere