Prime Small Screen Selections: 7 Essential Films This Coming Week

Highlighted Choice

This Satirical Thriller

The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+

This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix

Presence Film

The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere

This Self-Referential Film

Cage embraces his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4

The Black Phone Horror

The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4

The Spy Mystery

This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere