Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
