Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
