Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
