Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
