Prime TV Selections: Seven Can't-Miss Films In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
