Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
