Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
