Top TV Picks: Seven Must-Watch Films In the Days Ahead
Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
