Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
