Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
