Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
