Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
