Prime Television Selections: 7 Must-Watch Motion Pictures In the Days Ahead

Pick of the Week

The Substance

Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus

This Mystery Thriller

This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform

Presence

Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4

The Black Phone Horror

The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4

The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4

The Spy Mystery

The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema