Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
