Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
