Prime Television Choices: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Week

Pick of the Week

The Substance Film

The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus

This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform

Presence

Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere

Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4

This Creepy Thriller

Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4

Black Bag

The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel