Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
