Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
