Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
