Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
