Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
