Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
