Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
