Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
