Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
