Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
