Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
