Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
