Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process called this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
