Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
