Top Small Screen Selections: 7 Essential Motion Pictures This Week

Pick of the Week

This Satirical Thriller

Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+

The Woman in Cabin 10

This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix

Presence Film

Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4

The Black Phone

Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4

Black Bag

This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty 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