Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
