Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
