Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
