Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
