Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
