Top Small Screen Selections: Seven Must-Watch Films This Week

Pick of the Week

The Substance

Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+

This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform

Presence Film

Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4

The Black Phone

The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel

This Espionage Thriller

The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema