Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
