Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
