Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
