Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
