Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
