Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
