Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
