Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
