Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
