Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
