Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
