Prime Small Screen Choices: 7 Must-Watch Movies In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema