Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
