Prime TV Choices: 7 Essential Motion Pictures This Week

Top Selection

The Substance Film

Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus

The Woman in Cabin 10 Film

This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, the Netflix platform

Presence

Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema

This Self-Referential Film

Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4

The Black Phone Horror

Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4

The Spy Mystery

The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel