Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
