Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
