Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
