Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
