Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
