Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious 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, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
