Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
