Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema