Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
