Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
