Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
