Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
