Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
