Top TV Selections: 7 Essential Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
