Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
