Prime TV Picks: 7 Must-Watch Films This Week
Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
