Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
