Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
