Prime Small Screen Picks: Seven Must-Watch Films This Coming Week

Top Selection

The Substance

The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus

This Mystery Thriller

This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform

This Supernatural Story

Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere

This Self-Referential Film

Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4

The Black Phone

Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel

Black Bag

This period's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere