Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
