Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
