Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
