Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
