Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
