Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
