Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
