Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
