Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
