Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
