Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
