Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
