Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
