Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
