Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
