Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, 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. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
