Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
