Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering 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 truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
