Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema