Prime Television Choices: 7 Essential Films This Week
Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
