Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
