Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
