Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
