Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
