Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
