Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
