Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
