Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
