Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
