Prime Television Choices: Seven Must-Watch Movies This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering international wars to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
