Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
