Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
