Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
