Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
