Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. Each performer excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
