Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise 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 in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
