Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
