Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
