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Pick of the Week

The Substance Film

The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+

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This Mystery Thriller

This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix

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Presence

The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel

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This Self-Referential Film

Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4

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The Black Phone

Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4

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The Tammy Faye Biopic

In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4

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The Spy Mystery

This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema