Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
