Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
