Prime Television Selections: Seven Must-Watch Movies In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
