Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to join an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
