Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
