Prime Small Screen Picks: 7 Can't-Miss Movies In the Days Ahead

Pick of the Week

The Substance

The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+

This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform

This Supernatural Story

Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel

This Self-Referential Film

Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network

The Black Phone

The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4

The Spy Mystery

This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere