Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has left the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
