Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
