Prime TV Picks: Seven Can't-Miss Films This Coming Week

Pick of the Week

The Substance Film

Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus

The Woman in Cabin 10

This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix

Presence

Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel

Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4

This Creepy Thriller

Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4

This Espionage Thriller

This period's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema