Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
