Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
