Top Small Screen Selections: 7 Essential Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
