Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
