Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
