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Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Ideas and Stories

Finest Small Screen Picks: Seven Essential Films This Week

Highlighted Choice

This Satirical Thriller

Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+


This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix


This Supernatural Story

Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere


This Self-Referential Film

Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network


The Black Phone Horror

Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4


This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4


The Spy Mystery

The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema

The writer

Gwendolyn Day

A passionate storyteller and idea curator, Lena explores diverse themes to inspire and engage readers worldwide.

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