Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
