Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
