Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
