Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
