Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
