Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
