Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere