Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
