Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
