Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
