Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
