Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
