Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
