Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering international wars to join a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
