Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
