Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
