Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
