Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
