Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
