Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the youth on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
