Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
