Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
