Finest Small Screen Selections: Seven Must-Watch Movies In the Days Ahead

Pick of the Week

The Substance Film

The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+

The Woman in Cabin 10 Film

This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix

Presence Film

The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema

This Self-Referential Film

The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4

The Black Phone

Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4

The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4

The Spy Mystery

This week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema