Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
