Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
