Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
