Prime Small Screen Choices: Seven Essential Films This Coming Week

Top Selection

The Substance

The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus

The Woman in Cabin 10 Film

This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix

Presence

The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel

This Self-Referential Film

Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network

This Creepy Thriller

Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel

This Espionage Thriller

The current week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere