Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
