Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
