Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
