Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
