Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
