Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
