Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
