Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
