Prime Small Screen Selections: 7 Must-Watch Films This Week

Pick of the Week

This Satirical Thriller

The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus


The Woman in Cabin 10 Film

This suspenseful thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix


Presence

Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere


The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4


This Creepy Thriller

The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4


This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4


This Espionage Thriller

The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel

Robert Perez
Robert Perez

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in football and horse racing predictions across the UK.