Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
