Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
