Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
