Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
