Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
