Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
