Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
