Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
