Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
