Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
