Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
