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Saturday, October 17, 2026
Lumenline

Finest Television Choices: 7 Can't-Miss Films This Week

Top Selection

The Substance

The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+


This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix


This Supernatural Story

The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere


The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network


The Black Phone

The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4


This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4


This Espionage Thriller

This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema

About the author

Joseph Sanchez

A lighting designer with over a decade of experience in sustainable architecture and interior illumination.

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