Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
