Prime TV Picks: Seven Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
