Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
