Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
