Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, 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. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
