Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
