Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
