Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
