Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
