Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, 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. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
