Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
