Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
