Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
