Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
