Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
