Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
