Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
