Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
