Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
