Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
