Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
