Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
