Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
