Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
