Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
