Top Television Selections: 7 Must-Watch Films This Week
Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
