Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
