Prime Small Screen Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Week

Pick of the Week

This Satirical Thriller

Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+

The Woman in Cabin 10

This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix

Presence

The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4

The Black Phone

Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel

The Spy Mystery

This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel