Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
