Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
