Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
