Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
