Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
