Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
