Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
