Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
