Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
