Finest Small Screen Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
