Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
