Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
