Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere