Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
