Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
