Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
