Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable 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 fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
