Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere