Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
