Top Television Picks: Seven Essential Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
