Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
