Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
