Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
