Prime Television Choices: Seven Must-Watch Films This Week

Pick of the Week

The Substance

Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+

The Woman in Cabin 10 Film

This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix

Presence

Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere

This Self-Referential Film

Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4

The Black Phone

Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4

The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4

The Spy Mystery

This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel