Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
