Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
