Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
