Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
