Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
