Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
