Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
