Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
