Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
