Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
