Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
