Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
