Prime Television Picks: 7 Must-Watch Motion Pictures This Coming Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
