Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
