Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
