Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
