Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
