Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
