Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
