Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
