Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
