Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
