Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, 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 through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
