Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
