Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
