Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
