Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
