Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
