Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
