Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
