Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
