Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
