Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
