Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
