Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
