Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
