Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
