Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
