Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
