Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
