Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
