Top TV Selections: 7 Essential Films This Week
Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere