Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
