Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
