Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story 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 lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
