Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
