Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
