Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? 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 cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
