Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
