Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
