Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
