Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
