Finest Small Screen Choices: 7 Must-Watch Films This Coming Week

Highlighted Choice

The Substance Film

The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+

This Mystery Thriller

This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix

This Supernatural Story

The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere

This Self-Referential Film

Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4

The Black Phone Horror

Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel

This Dramatic Portrait

In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel

Black Bag

This week's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema