Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
