Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
