Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
