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Prime Small Screen Selections: 7 Must-Watch Movies This Week

Pick of the Week

The Substance

The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+


This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix


This Supernatural Story

Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema


Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4


This Creepy Thriller

The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4


This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4


The Spy Mystery

The current week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere

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Written by

Christopher Nguyen

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK innovation and digital transformation across various industries.

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