Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
